The final score in the Illawarra District Rugby Competition preliminary final between Bowral and University was 19-12. 

Blacks head coach, Gene Fairbanks said although he was proud of the team, the game was disappointing. 

“We didn’t play that well. University didn’t allow us to, they were a little bit better than us at the breakdown.”

Despite the loss, the Blacks had a great season, winning the last seven games in the lead up to the grand final qualifier. 

At half time the score was close at 5-5.

Despite University dominating possession, Bowral took the lead in the second half, after winger Henry Yuill scored a runaway try. 

The whole game was a tussle for possession and Fairbanks said Bowral was strong in defence. 

“The team defended really well, we were stuck on our line for really long periods of the game,” he said. 

Fairbanks said University had the upper hand with their skill level a bit better than Bowral’s.

“They didn’t allow us to get any continuity. We couldn’t get into many plays at all.” 

Jordan Grey scored the first try for the Blacks, but Fairbanks said there were no stand out players. 

“The team as a whole played well. We were attacking until the very end but we just couldn’t get it back.”

Uni had an advantage over the Blacks with their size and strength.

“Uni was just that little bit bigger, stronger and fitter.” Fairbanks said. 

Regardless of the loss, Fairbanks said the team had come a long way.

This season broke an eight-year streak since Bowral’s first grade team made it to finals. 

“To make it to finals was a huge achievement. At the beginning of the season we sat down and said we wanted to have a team that we were really proud, of and we definitely are,” Fairbanks said

Fairbanks said the team would take a break and focus on strength and conditioning during the pre-season. 

“Next year we are aiming to be the premiers.”