Chooks Underdone In Monaro Tournament
[ April 5, 2008 ]

One week before the 2008 competition commencement, the Monaro Pre-season Tournament gave participating clubs the opportunity to flex their muscles and size up the competition before the upcoming rugby season. This tournament is also used by selectors to view potential talent for the Monaro representative squad.

The Pool A draw saw the Chooks up against 1st Division heavy weights Goulburn and Hall, as well as their own 2nd Division rivals, Jindabyne. Each game was played in fifteen minute halves.

Despite a much underdone side, with only fourteen players available for the day's event, the Bungendore side showed strength and resilience to win their first match against Hall 10-7 (much to the delight of Bungendore's bushranger convert, Shane Botham). This was followed by two extremely close, but losing matches to Jindabyne 5-0 and eventual tournament winners, Goulburn in the closest scoring match of the day of 7-5.

A third place pool position saw the Muchooks head-to-head against Cooma and a return to form for the Chooks in the final match of the day. The convincing 24-16 score line produced a respectable fifth place overall position the tournament. This topped off a solid performance by the Bungendore team.

Saturday 12 April is the first competition round for the Mudchooks, with sponsors Tymlock, Bungendore Rural Services and Sutton Real Estate wanting to make the trip to Crookwell to support the team, in what is certain to be a demanding first round hit-out. All Chook supporters are encouraged to also come along and cheer on the boys this weekend or for our first home game on 19 April. Good luck for the season Chooks!