James Paton playing in the second row in a dissapointing 32-6 loss. Photo by WMG.
A very wet and sloppy ground greeted the Eugowra Golden Eagles on Saturday for the re-match of the 2015 League Tag Grand Final. Constant rain throughout the game marred what should have been a great match. The girls couldn’t get their footing, but Eugowra drew first blood for a 4-0 lead.
At half time the game had developed into an arm wrestle and with no change to the score, the Jersey Girls upped the tempo for the second half. Em Banks and Tara McGrath-West were impressive, Captain Kayla Smith led the girls well and Steph Cribb put in some darting runs. Right on full time Bec McRae crossed wide out on the left and the game finished in a 4 all draw.
The rain lightened off for the main fixture but the ground was still very water logged. The Waldren Construction Brahmans welcomed back former coach Conor Dacey who volunteered to play in an attempt to plug some of the injury gaps.
Eugowra have lost 5 games in 2016, so there was a chance for the Brahmans to cause an upset on their home ground. But they didn’t grasp the opportunity although they were only 10-6 down at half time. James Paton and Nathan Regan filled the second row but couldn’t make much impression on the visitors. There was far too much turn over of possession, particularly on the second and third tackles.
As usual Mick Spencer and Andrew Stadmiller carted the ball up all day, Drew Arabin and Lance Adams made inroads in the hit line but had no one running off them. At the back Beau O’Mara and Tim Regan tried hard but Eugowra started to run away with the game in the second half. They scored in the 47th, 65th and 68th minutes to lead 28-6.
With minutes left on the clock a half-hearted brawl took place at Eugowra’s end of the field and their lock was sent to the bin by Referee Luke Brown. With only twelve defenders, Binalong still couldn’t score a try, even though they had better field position. The forwards did make some reasonable raids but had no backs to finish the moves.
Right on full time, Eugowra crossed again and the Brahmans lost the match 32-6. Unfortunately Conor Dacey aggravated an old hamstring injury and couldn’t finish the game.
The Brahmans Calves played Manildra in Young on Sunday where they were edged out by the Rhinos 14-16.
In other results: the match between Condobolin and Peak Hill was postponed due to bad weather, Cargo defeated Canowindra 22-12, Trundle 26 def Grenfell 16 and Manildra defeated Burrangong 36-18. Cargo retains top spot on the Ladder. A general bye for all clubs next weekend and the Brahmans will be away at Peak Hill on June 18.
Result: Eugowra 32 def Binalong 6, try: Dylan Arabin Goal: H.Bee. Referee Mr Luke Brown.
Makayla Walker.
