Devastating Defeat For Mudchooks In Monaro Grand Final
[ Saturday, 23 August 2008 ]

The Bungendore Mudchooks were prepared to finally take out their first premiership in the Monaro 2nd Division competition, when they faced the Jindabyne Bushpigs in Bungendore last Saturday. The trouble was that Jindabyne were just as enthusiastic for their piece of the glory.

Competition between these two teams had been fierce throughout the year, with the Mudchooks only narrowly coming up as victors in the two hard fought encounters to date. This match had drawn a sizable crowd from across the ACT and surrounding NSW, and both teams were well represented with supporters.

In the initial stages of the match, it was Bungendore who capitalised on the wind advantage and were awarded consecutive tries to local cousins Peter and Luke Payten. With one converted, the home side were quickly leading by 12-0. Jindabyne may have been caught off guard in the early stages, although some heavy duty scrummaging and pressure applied by their forwards, provided the Bushpigs with a try late in the first half and only a five point deficit at half time.

It was Jindabyne who took control of the match in the second half. A usually reliable Mudchook defence was weakened by the continuous onslaught of the Bushpig attack and the deficit soon became an unattainable lead. Three quick tries to the visitors soon led to a 25-12 margin over the Chooks.

Regardless of the score line, Bungendore were not about to give up without a fight. The Mudchook forwards grouped tightly together and trucked the ball up the paddock towards the opposition try line. With ball now securely in hand, No. 8 John Turner picked the ball from a 12th phase ruck and drove through the defence to score next to the posts.

With only minutes on the clock, the Chooks tried relentlessly for another scoring opportunity, although the run had been left too late. The final whistle blew and Jindabyne were now the 2008 Monaro 2nd Division Premiers, with an ultimate score of 25-19.

Congratulations Bushpigs on a magnificently contested match, and good luck to the Mudchooks for next year in your quest for what seems to be an exceedingly elusive first premiership.

The Bungendore Rugby Football Club wishes to thank all its supporters and sponsors, including major sponsors Tymlock , Bungendore Rural CRT, Sutton Real Estate and PM & MM Fogarty Building Services, for all their encouragement throughout this Grand Final match and 2008.