Mudchooks Slay Tigers For Home Grand Final
[ Saturday, 9 August 2008 ]

A cold and bleak day in Taralga welcomed the Bungendore side for a battle against the Tigers on their home ground. The Tigers had been dominant throughout the season, winning the first encounter with the Chooks in Bungendore and then managing to hold out for a draw in the second. Last Saturday, the Mudchooks were prepared to put a halt to this ascendancy and secure a home Grand Final advantage.

In the initial stages of the match, it was the Bungendore side that stamped its authority. The home team were constantly placed on the back foot, as Peter Henderson directed traffic from his number 10 position and used the strong cold wind as a powerful ally. An early penalty allowed Pete to take the first three points of the match.

As always, the forward pack tussle between these two teams was an amazing sight. Taralga did appear strong in the scrums, although the heart and commitment of the Bungendore team proved to be the difference. This determination was personified by Mudchook rookie, Jason Broderick and stalwart, Sam Brown, who were relentless in both defence and attack.

The powerful forward performance finally paid off late in the first half, when broken play and sloppy Tiger hands, allowed Pete Henderson to add to his points tally and score under the posts. The conversion created a 10-0 buffer at half time.

The heavens may have opened at half time, bringing rain, hail and snow, but nothing was going to put a damper on the Mudchook momentum. Valiantly the Bungendore side continued to apply the pressure to the Tigers, with Luke Payten taking every opportunity and pouncing on loose ball to score another five points. This sealed the game for the Mudchooks, with Taralga unable to score a single point and a final margin of 15-0.

This week's player points were, Tymlock 3 Points - Jason Broderick; Bungendore Rural CRT 2 Points - Luke Payten; Sutton Real Estate 1 Point - Sam Brown; and PM & MM Fogarty Player's Player - Luke Payten.

This is it, one game left to end the season. The opponent is yet to be decided, with Taralga and Jindabyne fighting it out this weekend for the privilege. On Saturday 23 August, Bungendore will host its second Grand Final in the club's short history. All supporters, friends and family are urged to come along and cheer on the Chooks.