Mudchooks Make Heavy Weather
[ August 14, 2007 ]
By John Preston

In blustery conditions, the Mudchooks squandered any chance of a home grand final on the weekend with a less than spectacular acquiescence to a much more committed and hungry Tigers outfit. The result: a 22 to 5 loss to competition leaders Taralga.

From the first moments, the Taralga team stamped their dominance on the game and Bungendore was reduced to chasing a fit, strong and mobile backline around the paddock for the rest of the match.

Statistics weren't kept on turn overs but the Mudchooks certainly made possession easy for the Tigers and time after time lost the ball at the breakdown.

As expected with finals football, there was some impressive commitment on both sides to the contact and a number of bone jarring hits were made on either side.

For sheer work rate and passion, John Turner's performance in the forwards was inspirational and one that the rest of the team should look to for the elimination final next week. His crunching defence and determined running gained him 3 players' player points. There was also a suspicion that he crossed the try line at one time but an un-sighted referee did not award the points.

In extremely tough conditions, the Mudchook line out performed well and was the high light of the team's effort. Two players' player points went to Luke Swift for accurate throwing and tenacious performance around the paddock.

There were several occasions when Brett Newman flew high to steal Taralga ball and frustrate their attack. Unfortunately the Mudchooks were unable to capitalize on these efforts. Brett earned a players' player point for his efforts. Sam Brown picked up Chicks' Pick for another team lifting effort.

The Mudchooks need to take the feeling of this loss onto the training paddock this week to ensure the motivation, passion and hunger is there for this weekend's elimination final against the Jindabine Bush Pigs at the "Coop of Pain".

This will also be the last opportunity to see a number of Mudchooks players in action at home with several senior players hanging up their boots at the end of the season. Come up and cheer the boys on and get them through to the grand final in a fortnight's time.

Tickets are now available for the Mudchooks' Presentation Night to be held at the Bungendore School and Community Hall on September 1st. Why not organize a table of 10 to attend this gala event? See Mike and Sharon Blore at Bungendore cellars for ticket sales.