Sunday’s 43-34 result at the Wingham Sporting Complex was the third consecutive time this season the Bulls have beaten the Tigers. Taree will now play Forster-Tuncurry in the final this weekend.

Wingham started Sunday’s match brightly with an early try to Adam Dale. Dale made it two when he dived over from dummy half, and the Tigers led by 8-0 inside the first ten minutes.

Taree City then scored a soft try to make the score 8-4.

After a quarter of an hour, Wingham’s Richie Roberts jumped high to catch a Josh Watson bomb to score out wide. Josh Watson converted the try for a 14-4 lead.

Two tries to the Bulls in five minutes gave them a 16-14 advantage. Michael Richards had a try disallowed, and Taree City then scored beside the posts to lead 22-14. The Bulls scored again to go into the break leading 28-14.

Nathan Davis crossed early in the second half in the canteen corner. Josh Watson converted from the sideline to reduce the deficit to 28-20.

Then Richie Roberts scored in the opposite corner for the Tigers to trail by just four points. A penalty goal to Taree City extended their lead to 30-24 midway through the half. A chip and chase by captain-coach Willie Lockwood was offloaded to Anthony Cowan to score. With Josh Watson's conversion, the scores were tied 30-30.

Inside the final ten minutes, Taree City scored on a final play near the posts to lead 36-30. Wingham struck back with a try to Corey Sheehan in the corner. The conversion went wide, and the home team trailed by two points.

The Bulls added a field goal to lead 37-34 with the clock ticking down.

Inside the final minute, Wingham tried a short kick off and regathered the ball. They threw the ball wide as the full time siren sounded, only to have Taree City intercept to score under the posts.

Although the Tigers lost 43-34, and bowed out of the competition, they have done their town proud this year.

Taree City 43 beat Wingham Tigers 34 (Adam Dale 2, Ritchie Roberts 2, Nathan Davis, Anthony Cowan, Corey Sheehan tries, Josh Watson 3 conversions)