Past Rovers Coach Phil Johnston shares a laugh with Current Coach Cooper Cross at Old Boys day – Photos Roaming with Belle.
The undefeated Harden Hawks put a serious dint in the Boorowa Rovers’ aspirations of getting a home semi-final, beating Boorowa by 40-10 last Saturday in front of a huge crowd. The half-time margin was 8-6 to Harden, and a nail-biting clash again seemed likely; however, too many costly errors by the home side gave Harden some cheap possession as they raced in six second half tries to one.
Boorowa began the game well with Josh Noakes crashing over for a try after five minutes for an early 6-0 lead. The Hawks were reduced to twelve men following a send off halfway through the half, but it didn’t stop them scoring twice to lead 8-6 at the break.
The second half started disastrously for Boorowa when Josh Noakes was sent from the field in the first thirty seconds for an illegal tackle. That evened the playing ledger with both teams down to twelve men and any advantage Boorowa had was gone in an instant. Harden began to take control of the game with Boorowa making some crucial handling errors. The Hawks scored twice to blow the lead out to 20-6 before the Rovers pulled a try back through Will Fahey to make it 20-10. That was the closest Boorowa would get, as Harden ran in four tries in the final 15 minutes to bury the Rovers on their home turf and, in doing so, seal the Minor Premiership and remain unbeaten. For Boorowa, it’s back to basics this week before the big clash against Bungendore. If they play to their ability, they can do some serious damage in the finals, but they must control the footy and be more disciplined.
The Best and Fairest points went to Adam Hinds with three points for a tireless game in attack and defence. Two points went to Matt Canellis, who was everywhere and one point to Charlie Fogg for another big game. Players Player went to Matt Batt for another fine all-round game.
In other GTS games last weekend, Bungendore 62 beat UC Stars 6, North Canberra 66 beat Snowy River Bears 12, and Crookwell 26 defeated Googong 4.
The league tag saw the Roverettes put in a brave effort, restricting the attacking Hawks to just two tries for the whole match. Just a lone penalty goal separated the teams in the first half, with Harden getting a penalty in front of the sticks after 20 minutes. Rarely would the Hawkettes have taken the two points, but it was a sign of respect to the Boorowa defence that they took the kick. With the 2-0 scoreline at halftime, Boorowa were confident they could cause an upset, but a try just after halftime gave the Hawkettes some breathing space at 8-0. Not about to surrender though, Boorowa replied with a try to fullback Lilly Porch to have the Roverettes back in the hunt at 8-4. The defence of both sides continued to work overtime, and it wasn’t until the final few minutes of the game that Harden scored their second try to seal a 12-4 win. It was a huge effort by the Boorowa girls who once again played with an empty bench.
The Best and Fairest three points went to Ella Cross, who was sensational and caused Harden headaches all day. Two points went to Alice Dymock, who was brilliant in attack, and one point to Cheyenne Grocott Robins, who never puts in a bad game. Alice Dymock was voted Players Player.
In other league tag games, North Canberra 44 beat Snowy River Bears 6 and Crookwell 58 defeated Googong 6. Bungendore and UC Stars are yet to play.
This Saturday sees the Rovers take on the Bungendore Tigers in a game that may decide who will host the minor semi-final. The semi-finals are all but decided in the George Took Shield, but just where games will be played is still up for grabs with two games left. Should Bungendore win, they will host the minor semi-final. For Boorowa to host the semi-final, they need to win their two remaining games and hope Harden beat Bungendore in the last round on Saturday week. Home ground advantage will be huge in the semis. Boorowa has a healthy for-and-against percentage and will leapfrog Bungendore if the teams are level on competition points.
The Roverettes are in a similar position. If they win both their two remaining games, they will need the Hawkettes to beat Bungendore in the last round.
In other George Tooke Shield games to be played this weekend, the North Canberra Bears will look to sharpen their claws for the finals when they host Googong. Snowy River Bears host Crookwell in what could be a fiery clash, and Harden take on the UC Stars at McClean Oval in Harden.
The ladder for the George Tooke Shield now looks this way. Harden 24, North Canberra 20, Crookwell 18, Bungendore 14, Boorowa 10, Snowy River Bears 4, UC Stars 4, and Googong 2.
The Ladder for the League tag sees Harden 23, North Canberra 20, Crookwell14, Bungendore 13, Boorowa 10, Snowy River Bears 8, UC Stars 6, and Googong 0.
The last home game of the regular season is also Sponsors Day when the club recognises all the wonderful things the Sponsors do. No Sponsors, No Teams. The Sponsors are the backbone of the club. On Saturday we welcome the sponsors up into the main pavilion area to enjoy some nibbles and the odd drink or three. The sponsors, both large and small, have been tremendous and we cannot thank you enough.
There is so much to play for this weekend when Boorowa hosts both Bungendore teams. With another dry sunny day predicted, it is hoped that a big crowd will be on hand to cheer the local’s home. This could be the last home game of season 2026, so why not enjoy some great rugby league. Please note that the teams will be starting later due to a massive day of footy at the Showground. The league tag will start at 2.15pm followed by the men’s game at 3.30pm. Enjoy your rugby league no matter who you support.
– Sand boy
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