Nick Stephens, Cooper Cross and Blake Giucci.
Friday night football returned to Boorowa with a bang last weekend with both Boorowa league teams in the winner’s circle for the first time this season. The Boorowa Rovers scored a 38-16 win over an improved UC Stars team to retain the Chris Turner Shield. In the league tag, the Roverettes broke their duck winning 22-12 over the Stars. The games were played in front of a healthy local crowd with a party like atmosphere being enjoyed before the Picnic Races on Saturday.
The Rovers went into the game with several positional changes made in search of the right combinations. For the most part, the reshuffle worked well with Boorowa always in control of the match. They led by 22-0 late in the first half before the Stars posted their first points to make it 22-4 at halftime. Boorowa scored an early second half try through Cooper Cross to make it 28-4 and it appeared that the flood gates would open. However, to their credit the Stars showed some character to score twice midway through the second half to bridge the gap to 28-16. But two late tries sealed the deal for the Rovers by 38-16 and get them on the board for 2026.
The best and fairest points for the Rovers went Josh Dean with 3, who relished the move to full back. Skipper Cooper Cross led the way forward with 2 points and his partner in crime, Matt Canellis got 1 point. The Players Player was shared between Matt Canellis and Josh Dean.
There were good players all over the park with Jared Prosser looking solid in the dummy half role whilst Wil Fahey’s move back to his favoured centre spot paid dividends.
The side is starting to mould into a solid unit and now with a win under their belt will be hungry for more success.
Boorowa 38: Charlie Fogg 2, Jared Prosser, Cooper Cross, Josh Dean, Nick Stephens, and Matt Canelis tries, Cooper Cross 5 Goal’s beat UC Stars 16.
In other GTS games last weekend, North Canberra 42 beat Crookwell 8, Snowy River Bears 28 defeated Googong 14 and in the grand final replay, Harden 54 trounced Bungendore 6.
The league tag saw the Roverettes also record their first victory defeating the UC Stars by ten points. This team is growing in confidence every week and they were always in command in this game. They led 18-0 at halftime after scoring four tries including a long range try from Lilly Porch. In the second half the Stars came out firing to score two tries in the second stanza and reduce the lead to just a converted try at 18-12. Boorowa sealed the deal with a late try to make the final score 22-12. Like the men’s game, there were plenty of good performances.
The best and fairest points for the league tag went to Lilly Porch with 3. Lilly was everywhere in attack and defence at fullback. Ema Craig had a sensational game with two tries to pick up 2 points and Mackella Pye played her usual solid game to get 1 point. Players Player went to Lilly Porch.
Boorowa Roverettes 22: Lilly Porch 2, Emma Craig 2, Ella Cross tries, Imogen Pye 1 Goal, Defeated UC Stars 12.
In other league tag matches, North Canberra 13 beat Crookwell 12, Harden and Bungendore drew 16-16 and Snowy River bears 38 beat Googong 0.
This Saturday sees the Boorowa teams travel to Bungendore which is always a tough road trip. The revitalised Rovers take on the wounded Bungendore Tigers who were humiliated by Harden last weekend. Mick Sherd oval in Bungendore is a different beast though and the Rovers will have to be at their best to take out the Tigers.
The Roverettes will continue to gain momentum against Bungendore who drew with Harden last weekend. They are growing in confidence even though they are still light on for troops.
Many thanks to the supporters who kindly donated to Beyond Blue last Friday night. Every bit makes a difference and could just help save a life.
In other George Tooke Shield and league tag games to be played this weekend Crookwell are at home against the Snowy River Bears, Googong host North Canberra whilst the improved UC Stars host Harden. The following week is a general Bye for the representative matches. The next home game for Boorowa is on May 30th against Googong. See you there.
-Sand Boy
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