Max Giles has put in some very determined performances this year leading the younger Brahmans around the paddock.
The Binalong Juniors took the field first on Saturday and made a blistering first half 32 point assault on an under strength Condo side. Dylan Arabin scored in the opening minute and kicked 4 goals for the day. Dylan Downey and Jeffrey Brown also got tries. The second half was not as good for the home side; they seemed to go to sleep. The Rams scored three tries against Binalong in the second stanza. Rhys Butt and Marty Smith at dummy half were dynamic when Binalong got their game back together. The game finished at 40-14 for the juniors but letting in 4 tries was not up to their usual standard. The Jersey Girls were next up and withstood an arm-wrestle in the first half to go to the sheds down 4-0. The home side had far the better of field position all game and pressed the Condobolin line continuously. Only Condobolin’s very talented half back Nickita Kirby troubled the Jersey Girls.
When the second half opened, the home side piled on the pressure and with some very slick ball work from Christie Johnson, Em Banks streaked away to plant the ball under the cross bar. Kayla Smith obliged with the boot and it was 6-4. Jess Abnett, Tash Goode and Ange Taylor launched raid after raid on Condobolin. Always backing up was Madaline Brayshaw who caught the opposition wide out to bring up the full time score of 10-4.
The Brahmans first grade team continued to improve but allowed the Rams to score after 7 minutes. James Blair and Drew Arabin spear headed Binalong’s counter attack but couldn’t break through. Max Giles and Mick Spencer toiled away but it was Dylan Arabin backing up from the Youth League game who got Binalong their first try after 24 minutes. However the Rams responded with their fourth try and going into the break Condo scored again, but not before Nathan Regan crossed. With only several minutes left, James Blair went in to bring up the half time score of 28-16. After the break, the Brahmans good work continued and they held Condo scoreless for the next 32 minutes. Mid way through the half, the home side successfully defended their line for four consecutive sets of six. Lance Adams made line breaks and Andrew Stadtmiller carted the ball up well all day. Tommy Johnson courageously ran down and tackled a Rams player who made a good line break. The visitors scored again to make it 34-16, however Tim Regan responded with a good try almost immediately and Binalong now had 22 points to their credit, almost as many points as they have accrued in their last two matches. Tempers flared as the game wound down and what amounted to an all in brawl erupted and the referee dismissed the Regan Brothers and one player from Condobolin. Down to 11 players, any chance of victory was lost and the game finished with another loss 34-22. The margin was only 12 points which was encouraging. Next week, all grades will play away at Grenfell against the Goannas.
In other games Trundle 29 def Peak Hill 16, Cargo 44 def Eugowra 30, Canowindra defeated the Bears 64-10 and Grenfell 36 def Manildra 28. Result: Condobolin 34 def Binalong 22. Tries: D.Arabin, N.Regan, J.Blair and T.Regan Goals: H.Bee (3). Referee Mr. Luke Brown. Makayla Walker.
