But Price’s mood deteriorated even further when he sat down after the match and his arm started to throb.

“I was pretty devastated about Saturday,” Price said.

“It was a game we should have won.

“I got a heavy knock in the third quarter and had my arm strapped up at three-quarter-time.

“I knew there was something wrong.

“The adrenalin was running and what not but as soon as the game stopped and things settled down my arm blew straight up.

“The doctor said there was a break near my wrist so it wasn’t the best finish to the day.”

Price expects to miss between three and six weeks, starting with Saturday’s tussle against Culcairn at Culcairn.

The Spiders have a 3-2 win-loss record and victory over the Lions would have them well placed going into the inter-league bye on May 21.

“Things have been going well,” he said.

“A win over CDHBU would have been nice, but we have changed our game plan this year as we have a different side with a lot more pace.

“It’s a really tight group this year, as tight as it’s been in my three years at Howlong.

“It’s been a good challenge,

“We haven’t been expected to do well and that’s been a thing that has been driving me as well.

“It’s very rewarding to see everyone playing their role.”

While Tiwi Bomber recruits Dion Munkara and Clement Kerinaiua have been outstanding, the Spiders’ young brigade have also helped the club stay in the upper echelon.

The fact that the club has already played Jindera, Rand-Walbundrie-Walla, Howlong, Lockhart, Osborne and CDHBU only strengthens its position.

“We were disappointed to lose on Saturday, but we look forward to this week against Culcairn,” he said.

“The pleasing thing has been the young blokes.

“Max Barraclough is only 17 and playing at centre half-back and then you have Ben Baker, Blake Williams, Harry Smith, Joe Pargeter and Ryan Cannon so there is a group of young kids driving it.

“Hamish Clark has taken his game to another level.

“There was a big hole left by Beau Walker and Rohan Davies, but he’s stepped right up.”

Culcairn is also banking on youth with Nick Wright, Simon McLeish and Hayden Smith stepping up to support Dane and Tim Hallinan, Drue Mortlock and Brendan Way.

Injuries to Adam Eady and Trent Peryzk haven’t helped.