Moree Bulls second grade side have one more chance to fight for a grand final spot, after their hopes were dashed in the dying minutes of the major semi-final against Tamworth Pirates.
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Pirates enjoyed an early lead during Saturday's clash, sitting in front 18-12 at the break. In the second half, the Bulls started to enjoy the better of the possession and territory and scored through winger Jayden Walker to hit the front.
However, it wasn't enough to secure a grand final spot, with Pirates winger Esava Ravouvou cutting back on the inside and scoring with about 30 seconds remaining to snatch victory from Moree's clutches 25-19.
Bulls captain Sam Copeman said it was a disappointing finish, and one that wasn't helped by the high number of yellow cards given out.
"It was disappointing to travel three hours down there [to Walcha] and have so many yellow cards," he said.
"There were five in the game, three for Moree. That just made it a bit tougher on the day.
"We were so disrupted with the amount of cards. Playing with 13/14 players for 30 minutes of the game made it difficult for us to have a good go at [Tamworth]."
The Bulls were also missing a few key players on Saturday, which Copeman said didn't help.
Despite that, and the number of yellow cards, Copeman thought his side defended well in parts.
"When we had the ball we looked good too, but then a little error would cost us," he said.
Brett Wright had a top game in outside centre, while hooker Will Burey also stood out and Byron Birch was "good all around the park".
Although they now have to fight for their place in the grand final, Copeman admitted they were "happy" to get another game before the big one, to keep the momentum going. Last year the minor premiers went straight through to the grand final, but ended up losing it to Narrabri.
"Previously, we've found that having that fortnight off has hurt us a bit," he said.
"It should give us a better run going into finals."
Copeman said they are "quietly confident" going into this Saturday's do-or-die clash against Gunnedah.
"We'll have a few players back this weekend," he said.
"We're confident we can beat them, although you don't know with Gunnedah. We lost to them in the first round when we had a few players out, but then beat them here at home in round two."
The Bulls will travel to Narrabri for the elimination finals this Saturday, September 7. Second grade will kick-off at 12.55pm, with all the action to get underway from 11.25am with the under 19s clash between Narrabri and Gwydir. Narrabri and Pirates will face off in the women sevens at 2.35pm, before the two clubs meet in the first grade decider at 3pm.