It was the first week of the finals and we played Narooma in the knock out game, 3rd vs. 4th.

Things started out fiery as always when we meet the Whales. They usually apply the tactic of remove heads instead of tackling legs as Kainy found out not long into the game.

We took a shot at goals to get first points on the board after we were awarded a penalty for foul play, but after that the appointed ref that was late showed up and came on to turn the game into an absolute farce.

To Narooma's credit the 3 tries one of their players scored in the first half were brilliant individual efforts but the bloke was also helped through our lack of communication.

The score at half time was 17-3 to Narooma and with a try coming to the Whales just before the break the boys were feeling pretty rough, especially seeing one of their boys being taken off in a neck brace, but I'm glad to say that Nick Hutchins was up and around walking after the game.

In the half time huddle the boys told each other not to give up. Not when we were playing for survival and definitely not in front of our home crowd.

The second half was the complete opposite of the first. We were tackling better and working well as a team and even though we spent a fair amount of time in the Whales half we could not get across the line and put points on the board.

Meanwhile, Narooma continued to be Narooma and the ref let them be. FIFTEEN head high tackles were counted and not one got a yellow card or even a warning.

Our boys kept their heads up even considering the danger of having them lost and continued to fight till the end. Narooma scored one more try before the final whistle blew and our season came to an end.

Final score, Narooma Whales 24 - Braidwood Redbacks 3.

It was a disappointing way to finish our season, especially when we were in front of you, our faithful supporters.