The second-placed Uralla Tigers ladies league tag side were at their defensive best when they took on Boggabri Kangaroos on Saturday.
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Despite only having one player on the bench, the Tigers posted 30 points and held their opponents to nil.
Coach Paul Martin said it was particularly impressive to keep the Kangaroos out, even with tired legs.
“I was a bit nervous to start with because I had four girls pull out before we went so we only went over there with one reserve,” he said.
“We had some key players out so I thought the rest of the team played really well.”
Sophia Doran earned her side’s three points in the shut out while Lauren Acton and Nat Hammond were not far behind.
Uralla are back at home this weekend against Werris Creek who are just outside finals contention in fifth spot.
Martin said a win would consolidate his team’s spot in second.
“A must-win game to stay in second spot,” he said.
“We just have to control the ball, limit our mistakes and defend really well.
“Hopefully that's enough to get us the win.”
While the ladies are among the dominant sides of the competition, the Uralla Tigers men’s are out of contention for the semi-finals after suffering a one-point, extra time defeat.
The Tigers launched out of the blocks for an 18-nil lead before the hosts clawed their way back to lead at the break.
By the time the full-time siren sounded, the scores were locked at 30-all and the game went into extra time.
The home side kicked a field goal to land themselves the win.
“It has been the story of our year,” Uralla coach Brett Monley said.
“That was our seventh game we have been beaten by less than four.”
There are two games left with Werris Creek this on Uralla turf this Saturday, followed by Bundarra the next week for the final round.
Monley said while his side might be out of contention, they still will be aiming to finish strong.
“We've got Werris Creek this weekend at home so hopefully we will get a good crowd there and win our last two games to miss out on semi-finals by one point,” he said.
“There were four or five teams to get into that fourth position on the table which means it is a pretty good competition.
“It's a shame they're going to change it next year.”
Although he won’t be there come finals time, Monley has tipped Barraba to nab the trophy.
“I think the team to win the grand final this year will be Barraba,” he said.
“They're a pretty tough side, they have some big players.”