For many students it was their first time making the trip to one of the country’s most treasured sporting arenas but they certainly weren’t overawed by the occasion.

It was only a late goal in the semi-final which denied the girls a chance to go on to the decider, with the Cathedral team still able to hold their heads high after a strong showing across the day’s matches.

The Cathedral girls had been dominant in the pool stage of the competition, blitzing their way through their opening two matches with big 58-0 and 45-0 victories.

Cathedral came through 10-7 victors against eventual competition champions Lavington East Public School to earn their spot in the semi-final.

Unfortunately for the Bathurst girls another 10-7 scoreline unfolded but this time it wasn’t in their favour as they went down to Belmont Christian School.

Co-coach Kelsey Smith said her side have plenty to be proud of going so deep into the state’s premier primary school AFL competition.

“We were extremely proud of them even though they disappointed that they didn’t make the final,” Smith said, who assisted in coaching duties with Cathedral School teacher Ashley Boylan and  CWAFL player Andrew Grinter.

“They dominated from the outset of the day. There was a real fire in the belly. I’m not sure if it was because they were playing at the SCG but you could see the training had definitely helped them.

“As a co-coach I didn’t have to tell them much from the sidelines because they were doing everything so well.

“The semi-final game was exceptionally close. The game was very free-flowing and we had no trouble getting into space … [but] unfortunately they beat us with a goal in the last minute.”

Boylan was also thrilled with the way the girls represented their school.

"Cathedral School is extremely proud of the girls and the success that they had in this year's Paul Kelly Cup. As a teacher and coach I couldn't have asked for a stronger effort from the team." he said.

Moving on to the SCG portion of the competition was a big moment for many of the players, according to Smith.

“Walking into the SCG and sitting in the Ladies Stand was an amazing experience for them. Many hadn’t been to a major sporting ground before,” she said.

“I hope they’re reflecting on the experience really proudly. I truly believe that they were the best team there on the day despite what the results would say.”

The results continues an excellent showing from Bathurst girls’ sides at the annual competition, with both Holy Family and Assumption School taking out the title in recent years.

Smith believes Central West juniors have rallied behind the game.

“I’ve been seeing a definite increase in participation around the region,” she said.

“Schools have been getting around the sport and the players taking part bring in a lot of skills from other football codes.”