Bathurst Bushrangers Outlaws co-coach Tom Regan has paid tribute to Bathurst Giants

The Giants rallied in the final term to post a 14-8-92 to 11-14-80 win over the previously undefeated Outlaws at George Park 1.

Regan said that while the Giants did have a slight advantage with the wind in that last quarter, it was the fitness and work rate of younger members of their rivals’ squad that was the most telling factor.

“They kicked two or three quick ones right at the start of the fourth and then they kicked two towards the end and that was enough to seal it for them,” he said.

“They’ve got the youth on their side, and at the end of the day, I think that’s what got them over the line. They had a few of their older heads in the middle for a lot of the game, then right near the end they threw some of their young blokes in and they ran ragged around us.

“Their fitness paid off and the scariest thing is, they’re only going to get better, they’re going to get better over time, they’re only going to get bigger and stronger and more smart.

“It’s a worry,” he added with laugh.

Though disappointed to miss out on the points in a match Regan felt his side could have won  – the Outlaws led by 14 points after a strong third quarter – he said the standard of the contest impressed him.

“It was a real showcase – there were a lot of skills on show, some hard footy, big contests, some great marks. If anyone was up there, it would’ve been a blood ripper game to watch,” he said.

“We definitely had our chances, we had more scoring shots, but we just didn’t make the most of our opportunities going forward. I think that might of cost us and also a few silly mistakes and bad decisions towards the of the game too – those little things, the turning points that you really feel.

“At the end of they day they came out on top with those turning points, made better decisions and kicked straighter, but that’s footy."

The result sees the Outlaws second on the ladder with the Giants occupying third.