The Bees needed to win their final round clash against Evans River to guarantee themselves a spot in the top four but were beaten in the match 27-5.

"They just out-played us," Bees coach Phil Jones said.

"We didn't take our opportunities, we had a couple of try-scoring opportunities and we faltered at the last minute, dropped the ball and that can change a game.

"Scrums and line outs were solid, defence was solid but we just didn't do enough on the day to come away with the points."

The Bees could have made the finals if Iluka were beaten by Yamba but the Cossacks pipped the Buccaneers on Saturday.

"It is a disappointing way to miss out on the semis when you are waiting on Iluka who haven't beaten Yamba all season," Jones said.

He conceded there were plenty of opportunities earlier in the year to seal a spot.

"A couple of those tight games during the year which could have went our way, makes all the difference when it comes to qualifying for semis," Jones said.

"All-in-all, we have beaten everyone in the competition bar Yamba and we have matched them on three occasions."

Jones said it has been a "really enjoyable year" and is looking forward to 2020.

"Our club culture is just developing really well. Things are looking up for next season if we can maintain the enthusiasm," he said.

In other rugby union news, Tenterfield's Georgia O'Neill was named joint winner of New England Rugby Union's John Hipwell Shield for representative players of the year, along with Robb first grader Clarry Pratten.

O'Neill played for St Albert's College in the New England women's sevens competition and represented the Zone at the Country Championships.

"On behalf of the Bumblebees we would like to to congratulate Georgia O'Neill for a fantastic season for Albies women's rugby and congratulations on being named representative player of the year," Jones said.

Rumour has it is that she is going to be the star signing for the Tenterfield Bumblebees women's sevens side to compete in the Byron Bay sevens competition in October. Joining her could be Group 19 second division league tag rookie of the year Breanna Field who was named the recipient of the of the award last week.