The semi-finals may still be a month away, but the Boorowa Rovers took another major step towards the finals with a crucial win over the Binalong Brahman’s by 28-14 at the Boorowa Showground last Saturday.
It was their second big win in as many weeks having knocked over semi-final contenders Harden just seven days prior and all but sealed a semi-final berth. With four rounds left, the aim for the Rovers now, is to push for a top three spot.
The game did not start well for the Rovers with Binalong scoring twice within the first ten minutes to lead 8-0. The first half was a struggle for both teams in the wet and windy conditions. Binalong had most of the field position, but the Boorowa defence held firm after the early set-backs. In the 25th minute, Boorowa opened their account with try to Murray Armour that was converted cutting the lead back to 8-6.
It was a dour first half and the game was there for the taking for either team. The second half was in stark contrast to the first with Boorowa showing clear intent to throw the ball around despite the wicked conditions. Winger Charlie Fogg finished off a backline movement by the Rovers to give the home side the lead 10-8 and from there, Boorowa would not be denied. Austin Power carved through the Binalong defence to score whilst Charlie Fogg went in for his second try scoring out wide with a 20-metre dash.
At 18-8, the Rovers rampaging big man Hayden Hewitt, thought it was time for the forwards to cash in on the action. Like a D-9 Dozer, Hayden ploughed through the Binalong defence to score close to the posts no doubt traumatising a few Binalong players with nightmares on Saturday night.
When the elusive Will Fahey scored the Rovers final try just two minutes later, the Rovers were home with an unassailable 28-8 lead. Binalong scored right on the stroke of full time to make the final score respectable 28-14 in favour of the home team. Boorowa played some of their best football of the season in the second half and if they can maintain that form, they will do a lot of damage in the big games later in the season.
The best and fairest points on the weekend went to the inform Nick Stephens 3, Cooper Cross was destructive in the forwards with 2 points whilst Charlie Fogg showed he is one of the best finishers in the competition picking up 1 point.
Nick Stephens was awarded the Players Player award for another match winning performance.
Boorowa 28: Charlie Fogg 2, Will Fahey, Murray Armour, Hayden Hewitt, Austin Power tries, Cooper Cross 2 goals beat Binalong 14: Phil Sparnon, Joshua Sykes, Dane Howard Tries, Matthew Williams-Freeman 1 goal.
In other games last weekend Bungendore showed no mercy to the Snowy River Bears winning 62-0 scoring fourteen tries. North Canberra beat Googong 32-0 to keep their faint chances alive whilst Crookwell inflicted the second straight loss on Harden winning 22-18 at Harden. The UC Stars had the bye.
The Ladder now sees Bungendore 17, Crookwell 16, Harden 14, Boorowa 14, Binalong 9, Snowy River Bears 8, North Canberra 6, Googong 4, UC Stars 0. It should be noted that Boorowa has a game in hand with Bungendore, Harden, and Crookwell still to have their second bye for which no points are awarded. Boorowa has a reasonable draw on the home stretch with two games against the UC Stars and Googong that they should win, and two games against other semi-final contenders Bungendore and Crookwell. But first things first, and this week against the UC Stars, the Rovers will be keen to continue their climb up the ladder.
This weekend in round 13, the Rovers contest the Chris Turner memorial shield against the UC Stars. This event always produces a great game for the shield in honour of Chris who played for both the Stars and Rovers during his league career. On form, the Rovers should win well, but they can’t afford to take the Stars lightly.
In other games, Binalong host Snowy River Bears, and in the match of the round, the resurgent Crookwell are at home against Bungendore. Harden, North Canberra, and Googong all have a bye. Enjoy your footy.
-Sandboy