The women’s league tag team dominated Border Bears 44-0, while the men’s side survived a thriller, edging the Bears 32-30 in a heart-stopping finish.
The women’s league tag side secured a comprehensive 44-0 victory over Border Bears. The team’s ability to shift their focus to the edges and create opportunities across the full width of the field showcased the attacking variety that has served them well throughout the season.
The forward pack provided the foundation for success through their safe ball handling and powerful carries up the middle. Their ability to secure possession and generate quick play-the-ball speed created the platform for the team’s outside backs to flourish, with the majority of scoring opportunities flowing from this solid foundation work.
Tyler Hocking produced a standout individual moment, crossing the line through exceptional footwork that saw her beat multiple defenders. Her effort was supported by Jayla Chisholm on the inside, demonstrating support play that was a focus for the game.
The outside backs seized their opportunities with clinical finishing, capitalising on the space created by the forwards’ hard work and the team’s edge-focused attacking structure.
Their strong showings across the park reflected both individual skill and the collective understanding that has developed within the squad.
Skye Rodgers earned Players’ Player honours for her contribution to the victory, with Tyler Hocking named runner-up for her exceptional footwork and finishing ability.
Georgia Farrington received the Coaches Award, while Paisley Shaw was recognised with the Old Boys award.
Men’s Rugby League
The men’s side showed incredible character and resilience to secure a thrilling 32-30 victory over Border Bears in what will be remembered as one of the most dramatic finishes of the season.
Trailing for the majority of the contest, the Cougars faced their biggest test of mental toughness as they worked to overcome a determined Bears side that had taken early control of the match. The scrappy nature of the encounter tested every player’s resolve and highlighted the importance of never giving up.
The match remained in the balance throughout, with both teams creating and defending scoring opportunities in a genuine arm-wrestle that showcased the competitive spirit of local rugby league.
The defining moment came in the final seconds of the match, with the Cougars clinging to a two-point lead as a Bears player streamed down the right-hand touchline with what appeared to be a certain match-winning try. In a moment that epitomized determination and never-say-die attitude, Joshua Kemp produced a magnificent try-saving tackle, chasing from the left wing to drive the Bears player into touch just inches from the try line.
Kemp’s defensive effort not only secured the victory but also demonstrated the kind of commitment and awareness that wins crucial matches.
The victory showcased the team’s ability to find ways to win even when not at their absolute best - a quality that will prove invaluable in the high-pressure environment of finals football.
Uluak Taufa earned Players’ Player honours, with Dom Marzano named runner-up and Jarrod Murray received the Old Boys award.
Finals preparation
Both victories were crucial for maintaining second place on their respective ladders, setting up vital encounters in the final round that will determine finals positioning.
This weekend’s matches at home - Corowa Cougars women versus Wolfpack at 12:15pm followed by our men versus Tumbarumba Greens at 1:30pm - will be decisive in securing direct semi-final berths.
The Cougars will have the advantage of playing these crucial final round matches at their home ground at Corowa Aerodrome.
Following the regular season, the first round of finals will also be held at Corowa Aerodrome, providing further home ground advantage for both teams. The stakes couldn’t be higher - victory in the semi-finals would mean direct progression to the Grand Final at Glenrowan on September 7th, while defeat would lead to a Preliminary Final at Mooroopna on August 31st against the winners of the third versus fourth qualifying matches.
With everything to play for and home ground advantage potentially within reach, the Cougars are well-positioned to make a strong statement in what promises to be an exciting finals series.
