ADAM Fahey labelled his Queanbeyan Whites John I Dent Cup grand final loss to the Tuggeranong Vikings as "disappointing", but admitted his men would take their grand final experience to new heights in the future.
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The Whites lacked field position and possession at Viking Park last Saturday afternoon, and had no answer to a hat trick from Vikings winger Nigel Ah Wong as they went down 25-13.
Things did not go to plan for the Queanbeyan men throughout the game, with goal-kicker HP Momsen missing two penalty goal attempts from close range, while ACT Brumby Robbie Coleman scored the side's only try.
But Fahey told The Queanbeyan Age he told his men after full time "they had nothing to be a shamed of" in their efforts this season, and said now that every man in his squad had grand final experience, they would be more likely to win the premiership in the future.
"It's very disappointing to come so close, and a couple of things didn't go our way today, and that came down to a bit of inexperience and composure in certain periods," he said.
"But it's the best week of the year and it's why you play footy. The support's been overwhelming- the buzz, the energy- and I hope they [players'] all take it on board as a learning curve, and use it as motivation to get better."
Fahey said the difference between Tuggeranong and Queanbeyan on grand final day was Tuggeranong's ability to convert opportunities into points, and said although Queanbeyan only scored one try, conceding three tries was where they lost the game.
"We had three lapses in concentration, and they [Tuggeranong] took advantage of that. That's what the good sides will do to you," he said.
Experienced half Alex Rowley, who will be playing rugby in ireland for the next 12 months, will be the only loss for the Whites for next season.
Some players will now enjoy holidays, before the squad meets again at the end of the year to start pre-season training.