Print friendly version | Back

Bungendore Bowl Rugby Challenge
Wallaby-laden Silver Foxes to raid Mudchooks "Coop of Pain"
[ February 1, 2007 ]

Wallaby greats from the golden age of Australian rugby will dust off their boots on April 14, 2007 to play in the inaugural Bungendore Bowl Rugby Challenge. The Silver Foxes, an invitation dream team of rugby's living legends, are set to pit their skills against the drought-hardened local Bungendore Mudchooks at Bungendore Oval, known in the region as The Coop of Pain.

World Cup-winning Wallaby Richard Harry, assisted by a team of enthusiastic and dedicated locals, got the match up and running. Their infectious enthusiasm created fierce demand for a spot in the Silver Foxes line-up, with former Wallabies clamouring for a jersey.

This allowed Harry to make an early selection for the Silver Foxes line-up which includes Andrew Blades, Bill Young, David Wilson, Tim Wallace and John Langford; along with former Waratahs such as Travis Hall and Matt Dowling. There is also the tantalising possibility that the all-time great Wallaby centre pairing of Tim Horan and Jason Little will reunite for the occasion.

Together, organisers and players hope to provide the tiny NSW town of Bungendore with a welcome diversion from the drought while raising money for Greater Good, a southern NSW community charity. Since the stellar Silver Foxes line-up was announced, support has been flooding in from corporate heavyweights including Macquarie Bank, KPMG, Merial and Elders.

Merial National Sales Manager, Terry Suhan said, "We wanted to support the Bungendore Bowl Rugby Challenge for a couple of reasons. Firstly, Greater Good is a worthy charity that does wonderful things for rural communities especially in the current tough times, and second, it's a great way to thank our customers for their support by contributing to a fun day out with some great Wallabies".

The locals are looking forward to catching up with friends from across the state. Organiser Sonia Turner has been contacted by rugby enthusiasts who are planning on travelling from Booroowa, Young, Orange, Cooma and Sydney to see the once in a lifetime game. "It's a huge event for the town, and we're looking forward to sharing the delights of Bungendore with as many visitors as possible. We're also recommending people book their accommodation in the region nice and early!" Sonia said.

Of course, the question on everyone's lips is - will the humble Mudchooks fly when under attack from the much hyped Silver Foxes? Local coach Peter Payten was contemplative when asked, but staunchly backed the locals. "Historically the fox always beats the chook,but our boys have been training hard and are looking forward to showing that "bird is the word!" They've got no intention of letting the first ever Bungendore Bowl go to a team of outsiders, Wallabies or no Wallabies" he said.

Silver Foxes captain Richard Harry conceded, "The Mudchooks are a fearsome outfit at the "Coop of Pain". But the inaugural Bungendore Bowl Rugby Challenge is a big incentive, and we're sure our native fox cunning will help us take it out".

Harry urged families to come to Bungendore saying that the, "Bungendore Bowl Rugby Challenge is a chance to be part of a unique and historic day in Australian rugby. Come down, be part of the fun, and rub shoulders with former Wallabies and current Brumbies players, and give rural Australia a bit of support at the same time."

Tickets can be purchased at the ground on match day. The main game kicks off at2.30pm.