The Boorowa Rovers took to the field for their one and only trial match ahead of their George Tooke Shield season commencing on April 12.
Boorowa hosted the Moruya Sharks at Boorowa and came away victors by 32-14, with some promising signs of what lies ahead for the coming season. Meanwhile the Roverettes made a welcome return to the field for the first time since 2024. Despite going down they did enough to indicate they can be very competitive this season.
The Rovers have had a change of personnel in some positions due to retirements, travel, etc but the match gave an indication that they still have a formidable line up.
The Moruya Sharks opened the scoring early in the first stanza to lead 4-0 after just four minutes. It was long before Boorowa levelled at 4-4 through a try to centre Nick Stevens. Boorowa scored two more tries in the first period of 25 minutes to take a 16-4 lead into the second stanza. The Sharks hit back early to reduce the lead to 16-8. But that would be the closest margin for the rest of the match and when Rovers Nick Stevens crossed for his third try, the match was all but sealed at 32-8 with one period left.
As the game entered the final period of 25 minutes, it was evident both sides were becoming tired with sloppy handling and errors creeping into the match. Moruya scored a runaway intercept try to their half back to make the final score a little more respectable at 32-14. Unfortunately, the game had to finish early due to an injury to a Moruya player.
It was a good hit out for both teams, highlighted by some solid defence and strong running. No doubt both sides felt it the next day. For Boorowa, there was a lot to like. Nick Stevens was sensational in the centres causing havoc all day whilst Wil Fahey impressed at full back. In the forwards, Matt Canellis was destructive in attack, as was Cooper Cross. Alex Stewart and Matt Batt were formidable up front whilst Josh Carmody slotted in well at hooker.
The league tag was close all day with Moruya winning by 12-8. In the first period Boorowa led 4-0 early before Moruya scored a try on the bell to lead 6-4. The second period saw Boorowa regain the lead by 8-6 before a penalty goal to Moruya levelled it up at 8-8. Although it was a trial, neither side was willing to give much away but it was the visitors who broke the deadlock with the only try in the third stanza to score a 12-8 win. Both teams defence was exceptional and the Roverettes should take a lot out of the performance considering they have played in the competition for two seasons. Boorowa is looking for more players so if you are keen to play or know someone who might be, please contact the club.
So, with the preseason all but done, the team’s focus is squarely on round one. Both teams will take plenty of confidence from last week and will be hoping to get off to a great start when they travel to Crookwell on Sunday April 12th. It’s usually a very tough trip to Crookwell in the middle of winter but with fine weather in the low 20’s, the conditions should suit both Boorowa team’s who will relish the warmer conditions.
It was great to see such a healthy crowd at the trial match and if Saturday was any indication, there is much to look forward to in season 2026. The rugby league club is looking for people to get involved in any way you can. A good team off the field is just as important as a good team on it. Happy Easter and see you at Crookwell for round one.
-Sand Boy
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