The Blayney Bears' first grade side came tantalisingly close to winning their last game of the season on Sunday when they almost took down Bathurst St Pat's at King George Oval.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Bears showed some promise early in the game when Leigh Monaghan crossed the line at the four minute mark securing the lead for Blayney.
It was a lead that was at times equalled by St Pat's, but they never really lost until mid-way through the second half when Corey Aveiro nudged Bathurst ahead.
With nothing to lose Blayney played in a style that had been missing during much of the year.
READ MORE:
The ball was being thrown every which way but loose and the resulting tries just showed what the side is capable of.
Add to that the accurate chips from Steve Lane, some that even surprised his own teammates with his sleight of boot, and you have a side that can only improve in 2020.
Club president Tim Mooney said that Sunday's free flowing game showed potential for next season.
"That was the kind of game that they've been trying to play all year, but they've had a few injuries and have been under strength on occasion," he said.
Despite the loss Mooney is feeling confident that next year will see a distinct improvement in the first grade's results.
"We have a lot of great new players coming up from the under 18's and most of this year's guys will be staying with the club," he said.
Coach Ben McKenna said he was disappointed at Sunday's, and the year's, result, but he's also looking forward to seeing what 2020 will bring.
"The biggest problem has been training as a team," he said, "When we had everyone at training we almost beat Hawks, Cowra and St Pat's so we were competitive on those weeks."
With a swag of local young players moving up from the 18s, McKenna is feeling positive.
In particular he's keen to utilise the young guns experiences in being part of a winning side, something that the first grade hasn't seen on a consistent basis for quite a while.
"They have experience in being in a winning side and know how to hold onto a win," he said.