The Tenterfield Bumblebees might be out but they’re certainly not down about the season they have had.
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The club re-started this year after a 20 year hiatus and entered the Far North Coast rugby union’s President’s Cup competition.
They finished the regular season in fourth and earned a berth in the minor semi-final against Kyogle.
The Bees were beaten by Kyogle on Sunday in saturated conditions.
“Absolutely poured down. It was a good, hard game, pretty sloppy because it was wet but we started out on fire,” Tenterfield coach Phil Jones said.
“We scored a try in the first five minutes and looked pretty good but it just teamed rain so it got pretty scrappy.
“The lead see-sawed for most of the first-half, it was pretty close.”
Midway through the second stanza with the scoreline at 22-12, the game was halted due to an injury to Tenterfield’s Lachlan Dorward.
Jones said it finished the game with no stoppage for injuries but his main concern was the welfare of his player.
“He hurt his neck, not bad but it could have been bad, but they phoned the ambulance and there is no time out for the lower grades,” he said.
“We didn't get to play anymore from about the 50th minute.
“Momentum had just gone back our way, we had field position and we were looking pretty good.
“It was a bit of a sad way to finish the season but the most important thing is the young fella is alright.”
For a lot of Jones’ side, it was the first time playing rugby union in soggy weather.
“That game, on a dry paddock we are probably a 20-point better team,” he said.
“The wet weather just suited them, they just played 10-man rugby.
“It was one of those games that could have gone either way but they played better wet weather rugby. Held the ball in tight and controlled the rucks and mauls while the had the ball and starved us of possession.”
While they bow out now, Jones said it has been “a very successful” year for the club.
“It has been a great season to re-start the club and to make the semis,” he said.
“We had really good player numbers, big community involvement, there are so many positives to get out of it.
“We have just got to maintain momentum for next season and try and attract more players, though our players were good, we probably don't want too many more but just keep the ball rolling for next year.”
The club now turn their attention to their black tie ball and presentation night on September 15.
They are also entering the Byron Bay sevens tournament in October.