Weather conditions were appalling for the George Tooke Shield game at Binalong on Saturday, a strong and cold westerly wind streaked across a rain sodden ground for the clash between Binalong and Bungendore.
Binalong’s Jersey Girls easily accounted for the visitors 6-1 in which Jess Howard and Bron Pollack led their team to victory with solid support from Michelle Howard. New girl, Tammy Poidevin was also a stand-out in her early stages of learning the finer points of this new addition to George Tooke Shield.
The main game opened with Bungendore determined to force the issue with the premiers. They brought their ‘A’ game with them and for most of the day, shut down the very dangerous Naughton and Cooke combination. However, Bungendore forgot about Phil Sparnon who crossed in the left corner and Binalong were 4-0 nil up after five minutes.
The Brahmans welcomed a new addition to their ranks in Jonno Butt; injuries still hampering the premiers, Andrew Stadtmiller appeared for his first game of 2014.
The swirling wind and high ball were causing stand-in full back Cooke problems and after a dropped ball, the Tigers struck with a converted try in the 18th minute to bring the score to 6-4.
This score stood under extreme pressure until the hosts had less than two minutes before half time and Matt Cooke planted the ball in the right corner, Rawlinson converted for the 10-6 half time score.
For the purist, it was a day for the forwards with such sloppy conditions. Bungendore took the advantage with their big men, but in reply the Binalong front-row in Olah, Wylie and Worthy were equal to the task, especially Reuben Olah who was full of running all day. At the back Ben Potts took the ball up and was severely punished by Bungendore for his efforts.
Bungendore are well known for their ‘niggle’ game and this brought them undone. At 10-6 down when the second half opened, the game was theirs for the taking. The opportunity was open for the Tigers to crawl up the ladder. But no, they continued their inimical attitude and this cost them a win. Bungendore have picked-up a couple of very good former Braidwood players and now have plenty of talent.
As the second half ground on the score seemed stuck on 10-6, but Brahmans hooker Brad Wylie took the plunge and was awarded a try after 18 minutes and Rawlinson converted.
A strong local attendance added to the visitor’s frustration and as the game dragged on, the premiers gained the ascendancy.
Late in the second half, as Binalong built pressure on the visitors, Dave Brown pressed through for a try. As Bungendore tried to keep Cooke and Naughton out of the equation, Benny Spencer appeared and changed the tide.
As full-time grew closer, Bungendore’s frustration went to boiling point and the referee sent one player off with just 8 minutes to go and dissenting at this, the referee sent a second Tiger to the bin for ten.
Binalong scored again and the game concluded at 26-6 to the premiers. The penalty count went 13-8 to Binalong. The Tiger’s uncharitable attitude in this game may well cost them a first verses second game when the finals series matches are scheduled. Other results could impact on the outcome, but Bungendore do have an advantage home game against Harden later in the competition.
Binalong: 26 def. Bungendore 6. Referee: Mr. James Gould.
Bos Indicus.
