The Wagga side had lost their previous three games against Wagga City this season, including their last after conceding a late try, but looked primed to overrun the undefeated Boiled Lollies in the biggest game of the year on Saturday.

However a costly mistake late meant they couldn't take advantage of having Darryl Hemopo yellow carded to fall 40-29.

Waratahs got within six points with 12 minutes to play before the second Wagga City player was given his marching orders.

Despite their numerical advantage Waratahs were forced to tackle for most of the period with James Olds and then Peter Little crossing to seal Wagga City's premiership success.

While disappointed not to come away with the co-coach Angus Stevenson was still pleased to be able to take part in the season.

"The big thing we take out of it was we did it as a group," Stevenson said.

"Not just first grade but the extended group we had in the 23.

"When you think back to the start of March this year we were thinking we wouldn't even get a game of rugby.

"We have such a good group of young people, for a club that normally has a lot of older people, so it is exciting to see what we can come up to in the future.

"They're just grateful for the opportunity we got to play with each."

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Waratahs dominated possession in the first half but struggled to find their way through the Wagga City defence.

However after James Grimmett cut through with a strong run they took the lead midway through the period but Wagga City scored just behind the break to lead 14-10.

Peter Little's first try two minutes before half-time hurt, but not as much as the two in the first 11 minutes of the second half.

While Grimmett and Nathanael Mooney scored to get the side within a converted try, Stevenson was left to rue their missed chance.

"We just needed to get a little more scoreboard pressure early on," he said.

"It would have helped in a big way."

Waratahs also failed to find touch late in the clash before City sealed victory.

"If we put that into touch and really build on that then anything was possible," Stevenson said.

The Boiled Lollies were the only team to get the better of Waratahs in the four-team competition this year and Stevenson is already looking forward to renewing acquaintances

"They are a great team and I hope City can continue it next year and it's not just a one off," he said.

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