Barry Grace Oval was brimming with spectators for the match between Cootamundra and Grenfell on Saturday.
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The first half of the match had the teams scoring tit for tat before settling in for a grind until half-time.
In the second half the Tricolours pushed hard to establish and maintain a lead until the final 10 minutes when the Panthers added a try and a successful conversion.
The full-time score was 52-33.
While it’s the third straight loss for Cootamundra, it’s the smallest margin between teams so far this year.
Captain Corey Nicholson said the team had been working on their ruck and break-down at training and the results had shown in the game.
“We’ve got a lot of new guys and we’re trying to get them to gel,” Nicholson said.
“It’s starting to come together.”
Nicholson said the players had put in a massive effort against Grenfell.
“The boys turned up wanting to play and we were in it until the last five minutes,” he said.
“They were no passengers. Everyone gave 100 per cent.”
Nicholson paid tribute to the Panthers and said they were a quality side who also possessed a lot of experience.
“We lost the main core of our playing group last season, every team goes through that,” he said.
“We’re building, as long as we can improve each week then we’re happy.”
For the Tricolours Bob Scott was one of the best on field.
“Sam Bush and the Grace brothers, Tom and Mitch, it’s their home ground and they had a good game.”
The Triciolours next match will be played against Condobolin in Condobolin on May 5.