The Cootamundra Bulldogs have recorded their first Group Nine First Grade win for the season after they defeated the Temora Dragons 22-8.
Luke Levett darted over for the first try for Coota with a successful conversion by James Smith. Temora went in next through Centre Rory Block, however, the conversion was wide and Coota stayed in front by 2.
Haydn Cowled played 80 minutes on Sunday and he was rewarded with a great try. He went on to receive Player’s Player for the Dogs.
James Woolford was very good on Sunday, he has played every minute this year except for 10 minutes when the Referee as they can do, took a dim view in a previous match.
Woolford followed Cowled in for the Bulldog’s next try and it looked as though Coota might go on with it.
Smith converted to make it 16-4.
Temora wouldn’t lie down and they hit back with a try to Winger Jake Milne.
Temora’s kicker was unable to add the extras and Coota looked to be headed for their first win.
Tom Miller went in for the icing on the cake untouched as he added another 4 points. Smith’s goal sailed over for the final score to finish up at 22-8.
The win for Coota is a great morale boost for the town and follows on from the Coota Tricolours win over Harden at Fisher Park the previous day.
Co Coaches Matty Forsyth and Chris Maher overcame injuries to help the Bulldogs claim victory and led by example.
Matt Forsyth said, “It was more relief than anything, just to see the smiles on the face of all of the boys was the best thing about it, we have trained all year and because we have been struggling we haven’t been getting that many numbers, but obviously we are putting in each week.”
“Everyone thought we were going to go through the season without a win. As soon as we won and sung the song I said, let’s not stop at there, let’s win next week and build on something for next year. A few wins will bring people back for next year.”
Forsyth said Haydn Cowled has been the best player for the Bulldogs for the last month. “He has just had a little Bub and he is juggling footy and being a dad for the first time as well, he has been unbelievable for us.”
In other results, Reserve Grade accounted for Temora 28-10 whilst the Bullettes went down 6-44 in the League Tag.
The Bulldogs will head to Young this Sunday to take on the Cherrypickers who have claimed 5 wins this season and like Coota are unable to make the finals.
This won’t worry both sides as the cross town rivalry will come into play as will bragging rights in the final match of the 2019 regular season.
The Bulldogs Reserve Grade side will secure a top 3 finish and a second crack at the finals series if results go their way.
For a club that is struggling during difficult times, the Bulldogs have the chance to defeat Young and finish with 2 wins.
In other news, Junee will be this week holding a meeting to discuss the club’s future. The Diesels have claimed 4 wins in 2019, however like other clubs in Group 9 are hoping to bolster their numbers for next year.
The famous helicopter ball drop for 10k was postponed due to the terrible weather.
