The Bulldogs were first to score at Anzac Park with Sirla Pera crossing, however couldn’t gain any momentum from there succumbing to the Tigers’ speed and slick movement of the ball. 

A 20-4 scoreline at halftime set to the tone of the game and the Bulldogs were unable to catch up. 

Clearly disappointed by the result but remaining philosophical Elia said “they played their best game of the year and we played our worst”.

“They were quick and slick and had the home ground advantage,” Elia said. 

He said the more experienced members of the Bulldogs squad including Aaron Byrne, Grant Miller and Grant Boyd stepped up and played well, however admitted his side was outplayed in the end. 

The loss was the biggest endured by the Bulldogs this year with their previous heaviest loss being by 14 points against Albury. 

Elia said he and the team had been quietly confident heading over to Gundagai, however Gundagai simply did not let them into the game. 

While this loss marked the end of the football season for the  first grade Bulldogs, Elia said it has been a positive year for the Cootamundra Rugby League Club. 

“A lot of good footy sides finished below us,” Elia said. 

He said Albury, South City and Gundagai have been the benchmark sides for the past couple of seasons so for Cootamundra to finish the year in contention with these teams was very positive. 

“We have shown this year we have a talented side,” Elia said. 

When is comes to coaching next year Elia remains uncommitted saying he will definitely be around the club but is not yet committing to what capacity and does not want to close the door on the Cootamundra Rugby League Club approaching other coaches who may be keen to come to town. 

“If you had said at the beginning of the year we would make it to the second week of the finals I would have taken it,” Elia said. 

“We know what we need to improve on for next year and we will,” he added.