Chooks Too Good For Competition Leaders
[ July 4, 2007 ]
By John Preston

Twenty-seven unanswered points in the second half saw a spirited Mudchooks team defeat competition leaders Taralga on Saturday.

Trailing 17 to 3 at half time, the Mudchooks lifted in the second half following a half-time revving by the coaching staff. The signs of Bungendore's ascendancy had been there towards the end of the first half with the Taralga team flagging through lack of match fitness.

Taralga's ride to the top of the Monaro Second Division ladder has been punctuated by bonus points gained through forfeits and disqualifications and their lack of match fitness may well have been a telling point in this significant change of fortunes for them.

That's not to detract at all from a sensational second half by the Bungendore lads.

All positions on the field contributed to a well played and dominant second half performance.

Whilst only three tries were scored, so no bonus point awarded, the 30 to 17 victory has huge psychological impact for the boys at this point in the season.

Brodie McLeod's radar boot in difficult conditions was a crucial factor in the match and, in recognition he picked up two points in the player's player table. Three points went to stunning centre Mark "Chappo" Chapman for an inspirational performance including one of the best kick and chase tries you could hope to see on a rugby field.

A solid second row performance in open play and set pieces from Brett Newman saw him rewarded with one point. Chick's pick went to busy hooker Andrew Turner despite a dubious sin-binning for a marginal high tackle.

Next week see's the Mudchooks migrate to the high country for a tussle with the Jindabyne Bush Pigs. The last encounter between these teams at Jindabyne saw the Mudchooks defeated and eliminated from the 2006 competition. On the back of Saturday's significant win over the competition front-runners, this is a result that the Mudchooks will be keen to turn around.

Many thanks should go to all those folks who volunteered their time and efforts with the after match function at the Bowling Club. The Injured Players' Fund is now in a financial position where the club can feel more secure about assisting those amongst us who are unfortunate enough to be injured during this and coming seasons.

A special mention should also go to the newly announced major sponsor of the Bungendore Mudchooks - Tymlock Pty Ltd - Fencing Supplier. Thanks Michael Szczerbiak for your generous sponsorship.