The Tigers downed Cooma 40-18 in a game filled with simple errors and lack of cohesion, player Steve Russell said.

"We didn't play that well, we handed over a lot of ball and made too many mistakes at the wrong time," Russell said.

"I think we had the opportunity to win, however too many errors and lack of control in the game cost us the match," he said.

Despite the defeat, the Stallions will get one last chance to reach the grand final, if they defeat the Bega roosters in the preliminary final this Sunday at home.

First grade manager Craig Schofield said he thought Cooma could bounce back, but had been out of form as a result of so many byes during the 2008 season.

"I think we've got to tighten our defence, Bega is a pretty physical side and the game will go down to the wire," Schofield said.

"There's been a lot of stop/starts in the second half of the round, with a month off, then play a game, then have another week off again.

"We really needed the game against Eden under our belt to be more competitive at the grand final, but we have no major injuries so everyone should be on board for a good game against Bega," he said.