The Tigers were edged out of a Grand Final berth by just two points as Wests Warriors held on to knock the men's first team out of the Southern Conference playoffs.

The game itself was fitting of two of the best teams in the competition and a finals series head to head. It was as skilful as it was physical with both sides leaving everything on the field.

Bailey Thomas scored the Tigers' first and final tries while Max Nissinen-Le, Elliott Hutchings and Rory Dingemans also touched down.

With the game in the balance it was ultimately a 78th minute penalty that separated the two teams and condemned the Tigers to an early exit.

"Its been a long season", said director of rugby Rob Ashton. "We began preseason training in November for the Challenge Cup and haven't really let up.

"We will enjoy a decent break period now before we start planning for 2027 and going again!"

TRYS: Bailey Thomas x2, Max Nissenen-Le, Elliott Hutchings, Rory Dingemans
GOALS: Bailey Thomas x3
Man of the Match: Kayne Chan