Finals Looming For Mudchooks
[ Saturday, 12 July 2008 ]

With the competition finals positions in question, last weekend's game against the Taralga Tigers on their home turf was unquestionably this season's most important for the mighty Mudchooks. With the chance of a home major semi-final up for grabs, the Chooks had to win this one. And given the team vibe and camaraderie before the match, a positive outcome was a possibility.

Bungendore ran on the field to win and were first to score with a penalty conversion by Peter Henderson. The Chooks dominated the play in the first quarter, caging the Tigers in their own half. The hard working forward pack, opened the play to allow Pete Henderson to go over for the first try of the match. The half time score was 15-3, although the home side were not going to give up without a fight.

Taralga came back in the second half and a flustered Bungendore side began to display signs of fatigue. Countless and unnecessary penalties by the Chooks, enabled the Tigers to crawl back to a dictating position and inevitably take the lead by 21-18.

There was literally seconds left on the clock when the Chooks realised their predicament and struggled hard to get back into the match. A fortunate penalty at full time meant a successful penalty goal was needed to equalise the score. It was again Pete Henderson who stepped up to the mark. Already responsible for all the day's points for the Chooks, he again showed poise and calm under pressure to pot the ball over the black and finish the game with a draw of 21 all.

The player points this week were, Tymlock 3 Points - Peter Henderson; Bungendore Rural CRT 2 Points - John Turner; Sutton Real Estate 1 Point - Sandy Beggs; and PM & MM Fogarty Player's Player - Peter Henderson.

This weekend the Mudchooks are at home (kick off 2.30pm) and are hosting the newcomers to the Monaro 2nd Division competition, the Harden Devils, for the first time. If the first round thrashing of the Devils is any indication, this match is sure to bring some great try scoring opportunities for the Chooks.