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Palerang Shield Goes Back To The Chook Shed
[ March 29, 2008 ]

Last Saturday saw the return of another rugby season with the Palerang Shield battle between Bungendore and Braidwood, in Braidwood. This was the third year the Mudchooks and Redbacks have faced off against each other, in what is slowly becoming one of the most fiercely fought clashes in the region's rugby calendar.

Following a slow start to the year, this was the first opportunity in 2008 for a full-side match for the Chooks. Some decent off-season preparation and early intensive training sessions with new coach, Matthew (Baz) Grady, seems to have paid off with a 38-21 win over the young Braidwood side.

The first half was dominated by the Mudchook backs who flung the ball around with speed and precision, reminiscent of Horan and Little from last year's Silver Foxes game. This caught the home side a little off-guard, allowing Mark Chapman and Dan Beer to combine in the out field and score four tries between them.

Braidwood found some consistency in the second half and constructed a few good tries to get within three points of the Chooks, but Bungendore was not going to let the Palerang Shield get away this year. The forward pack stalwarts John Turner and Sam Brown lead by example and drove the Redback offence backwards, enabling clean turnover ball and allowing Kim Veness in for his inaugural try for the Mudchooks.

Credit should go to the Braidwood side, who gave their all, but inexperience and lack of team cohesion were their downfall.

All-in-all it was a great start to the season for the Mudchooks, with thanks going to our major sponsors Tymlock, Bungendore Rural Services and Sutton Real Estate for making it possible again this year