The Blacks were out-muscled early in the match and were unable to overcome Avondale's shear size despite a strong second half performance.

Bowral went into the match somewhat under strengthed after the late withdrawal of prop Nick Combes, centre Josh Rose and number eight Simon Badgery, who all succumbed to injury.

Despite the three-point loss, Bowral coach Brendan Fannin said he was not unhappy with the way his team played.

"It was a real David and Goliath scenario and we were outweighed right across the park," Fannin said.

"It was basically bash and barge the whole game with Avondale trying to blast holes in our defence.

"We had our chances to win, but I am pleased with the way we stood up to them," he said.

The scores were locked at nil-all for much of the first half with Bowral missing an early chance to score at around the 10th minute.

Full story: SHN, Monday, May 22, 2006.