Mackella Pye splits the defence in a recent match. Mackella will play her 100th game for the Roverettes this weekend.
The Harden Hawks and the Boorowa Rovers have produced some classic contests in the past and Saturday was no exception when Harden escaped the jaws of defeat to win the local showdown 26-20 on their Old Boy’s Day. Boorowa pushed the Hawks all the way and despite the loss, they announced to the rest of the competition that they are genuine contenders in the title race. It was a game that had a bit everything, from players being sent to the bin, time keeping controversy and a good old fashion brawl that saw the Mclean Oval fence take a bit of a beating.
The game started a frenetic pace with the big Harden forward pack attempting to intimidate the Rovers defence. Boorowa held firm despite the onslaught, and it was only a bit of brilliance from Hawks half Jayden Cutting making a break and off-loading to full back Jack Nichols who scored.
At the 20-minute mark, Boorowa capitalised on a couple of Harden errors that saw them go on the attack and score through Joe Prosper to level up at 6-6. The Rovers were in again just three minutes later through a Cooper Cross converted try. The teams went to oranges with Boorowa leading 12-6 and the Hawks realising the Rovers weren’t about to present the competition points on a platter.
The Rovers lost Matt Batt to a nasty head injury, but Boorowa refused to succumb to the Harden attack. Josh Noakes was having a blinder in the Rovers second row, giving multiple kilos away to the big boppers from Harden.
The second half started fast and it was the Rovers who posted first points through winger Adam Hinds. Down by 16-6, it appeared that Hardens unbeaten run may come to an end, however that’s when the tide begun to turn.
The Rovers lost Josh Carmody to the sin bin for ten minutes and then some, as Harden piled on the pressure to score three unanswered tries. At 24-16 it appeared the Hawks had done enough until a magic long-range kick by Cross into the Harden in goal saw Rovers Josh Dean swoop on the ball and score a great try.
As the team gathered in the in-goal, a simmering fuse then exploded as both teams shaped up for a good all country brawl. The end result was two players put in the sin bin, a great Boorowa try and one very damaged fence panel behind the Harden in-goal.
The try closed the gap to 24-20 with Boorowa desperate to attack and Harden clinging to the four-point lead. Time became the Rovers enemy and despite their best efforts they couldn’t get good field position to launch a last ditch raid. With under two minutes left, Harden received a penalty in front of the Boorowa sticks. It was then left for Jayden Cutting to deliver the last rights to Boorowa when he wound down the clock and calmly potted a penalty goal after the fulltime siren. The Hawks prevailed 26-20 and whilst they got the two competition points, they were given a massive scare by a very plucky Rovers team.
Despite the loss, Boorowa can take away plenty of positives from the game. Their forward pack was really impressive even though it was evident that Harden had the bigger pack, The Rovers have much more depth in their team now which will be crucial at the back end of the season.
The three Best and Fairest points went to Josh Noake who didn’t take a backward step all day against the big Harden pack. Two points went to skipper Cooper Cross, and one point went to Will Fahey who was great in defence and attack. Josh Noakes won the players player. Joe Prosper and Matt Canellis terrorised the Harden forwards all day whilst Alex Stewart gave the Harden defence plenty of headaches.
Harden 26 beat Boorowa 20: Joe Prosper, Cooper Cross, Adam Hinds and Joshua Dean tries, Cooper Cross 4 Goals.
In other George Tooke Shield games last weekend, Crookwell 66 beat Googong 12, Bungendore 54 beat the UC Stars 6 and North Canberra Bears 38 beat the Snowy River Bears 10.
The league tag saw the Roverettes produce another courageous performance even though the 32-2 scoreline in favour of Harden didn’t reflect it. Boorowa played the entire game with no players on the bench, whilst Harden had enough reserves to almost field a second team. Boorowa showed plenty of grit being starved of possession for much of the contest. They were down 22-0 at halftime and could have easily let the flood gates open, but to their credit, they restricted the talented Hawkettes to just 10 second half points.
Harden Hawkettes 32 beat Boorowa 2: Imogen Pye 1 Goal.
The Best and Fairest points went to Imogen Pye three points who led by example, two points went to Ella Cross who continues to have a stella season and one point to Rachel Corkery who got through a power of work. Lily Porch at full back got the Players Player, pulling off several try scoring saves.
This weekend will see Mackella Pye reach 100 games for the Roverettes, which is an amazing achievement. Mackella has been the backbone of the team who always leaves absolutely everything on the park. We wish her all the best on Saturday against Crookwell on Ladies Day.
In other league tag matches, Crookwell 68 beat Googong 0, North Canberra 44 beat Snowy River Bears 0 and Bungendore 26 beat the UC Stars 6.
This Saturday sees the Rovers return home for another crucial game against Crookwell in the first-round meeting, Crookwell won convincingly by 34-0 but much has changed since that day. The Rovers are a more settled outfit that has grown in confidence and at home will be hard to beat.
Likewise, the Roverettes have strung together some good performances, but they will have their work cut out this weekend. With half of the regular season now complete, every game begins to become a little more crucial.
In other GTS and league tag games to be played this weekend, Harden are at home against Googong in what could be a blood bath. UC Stars host the Snowy River Bears with both teams desperate for a win. The other big match of the round will be the Bungendore Tigers hosting the North Canberra Bears in what should be a tight contest between these title contenders.
This Saturday is Ladies Day when we celebrate the awesome contributions our ladies make both on and off the park. It’s a wonderful day at the showground followed by an even better night at the home of Boorowa rugby league. The Courthouse Hotel. See you there.
-Sand Boy
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