The Tenterfield Bumblebees got their season off to a flyer on Saturday with a hard-fought triumph over Kyogle.
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The Bees travelled for their first match of the Far North Coast's President's Cup campaign and came back from a two try deficit to claim the points 14-12.
Both sides were scoreless at the half-time break before Kyogle posted back-to-back tries to lead 12-nil.
The Bees came back into the match through a converted try to Jason Maunder.
With 10 minutes to go, Tenterfield were reduced to 13 men with a double send-off but they weren't deterred.
The Bees sent a kick high into the air, Jake Kelly recovered it and passed the ball to Jason Maunder who sent Lachlan Dorward over for a try in the corner.
Bees president Jack Thomas was tasked with the sideline conversion and nailed it for the side to take the win 14-12.
"It just shows how good the blokes were to dig in and not give up for each other," Thomas said of being two men down.
"It was a really team-orientated game, blokes just turned up to play footy for each other.
"Having a tough game first, and having a few things against us to come away with the win will build the team to a whole new level."
It was a really team-orientated game, blokes just turned up to play footy for each other.
- Jack Thomas
Although new coach Pat Herde was unavailable to make the trip, Thomas lauded his efforts with guiding the side at training.
"All credit to Pat, we have a great game plan set up for us, we have to stick to it," he said.
"That was proved; we stuck to the game plan and we scored two tries.
"He has taken [Goondiwindi] a few finals and premierships in the past and hopefully he can bring one to us."
He also paid credit to their opponents.
"They [Kyogle] were a tough team," Thomas said.
"For them it would have been heartbreaking to lose like that but they played good, hard footy and they made us dig deep to come up with the win for the day."
Their normal forward pack was depleted but the forwards who were available worked tirelessly in the win.
"All the young fellas like Thomas Grimson, Josh Lavea and Robert Rollans stepped up and played nearly a full game," he said.
Lavea was rewarded for his efforts with a club point.
"Joseph Blackler got the three points and it was his fist time at run on flanker which was a big step up for the young fella," Thomas said.
"One of leaguies on his debut got two points, that was Jake Kelly.
"For his first game of rugby union he was really solid in the centres."
Blackler also received the players' player award.
This Saturday the Bees will have their first home game against Richmond Range for their round two encounter from 3pm.
Coronavirus restrictions are in place regarding spectators.
At this stage, there is a limit of 500 people at the ground.
"We are just waiting for the next email to see what we can and can't do," Thomas said.