The Dubbo College South Campus side was its own worst enemy in its Buckley Shield quarter-final loss on Wednesday.
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The Dubbo side had produced some mighty efforts in the run to the final eight, but a lack of discipline and plenty of errors proved costly as Kiama High School scored a commanding 24-4 victory at the Apex Oval junior grounds.
Coach Jason Tierney couldn't quite put his finger on what went wrong for his side, but he was full of praise for a well-structured Kiama side which dominated from almost first whistle to last.
The visitors shot out to a 10-lead at the break in the 25-minutes-a-half match, and while South Campus hit back shortly after the break they were never really in the contest.
"It didn't come together today, that's for sure," Tierney said post-match.
"Our patterns and what we've been working on all year had been switched on until this game, for whatever reason it wasn't our day today.
"Kiama, it's certainly a credit to them. They kept rolling at us and on a day when we were off they kept the pressure on us.
"It was a great win for them."
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The Dubbo College started well in the opening minutes, but it wasn't long before dropped ball and penalties crept into the game.
A number of lazy high shots in particular put the hosts under pressure, and Kiama didn't need much more invitation as Seth Pearman darted over from dummyhalf.
Kiama scored again soon after and only some poor handling of their own prevented the lead from growing before half-time.
A quick shift to the right shortly after the break resulted in Dubbo winger James Brookman scoring, but that turned out to be the only joy for South Campus as Kiama dominated from there out.
Nat Ambler was a standout for South Campus in a losing effort, getting through a huge amount on both attack and defence up front, while fullback Will Cuthill looked dangerous on the few rare opportunities he got to run the ball from deep.
Pearman was among the best for Kiama, but captain Cooper Harrison and centres Caleb Hall and Isaac Loughton also starred.
Despite the loss, Tierney was still hugely proud to be a part of the side which had finished as western area champions.
"These kids are great. They turn up to school and some battle academically so for a lot these sort of days are certainly going to be some of their best memories from school," he said.
"To see them represent Dubbo College in the manner they do, it's fantastic to be a part of."