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Chooks Romp Home in the Mud
[ Saturday, 29 May 2010 ]

The Mudchooks had a convincing 45-0 win against the Tuggeranong Vikings on Saturday 29 May in the first wet weather conditions that they have played in at home from nearly two seasons.

The Vikings are a new team in the Monaro Second Division competition this year, and having won three of their first games, the Mudchooks club members were a bit apprehensive about how competitive this unknown opposition might be. But in the end there was no need to worry because, despite the slippery conditions, the Mudchooks scored seven unanswered tries and dominated the Vikings for most of the game in every facet of play.

The game got off to a terrific start with Peter Sturgiss scoring first only two and a half minutes into the game. Captain Hayward (Woody) Fraser scored next and then scored again mid way through the first half as a result of his powerful attacking runs through the Vikings defence. Rodney Clarke scored the next try just before half time after a blistering run along the side line to chase down a long kick ahead from Brett Watson.

The second half started in fine fashion with Jeremy Taylor intercepting a Vikings pass and then sprinting 80 meters to score under the posts. However, the Mudchooks then became a bit over excited by their success and allowed their ball handling to deteriorate to a certain degree with a number of unforced knock-ons occurring. Coach Shane Botham called for the team to settle down and get some structure back into their game, and the boys did just that with some powerful driving mauls and again took control of the game.

At the 24 minute mark Peter Sturgiss scored his second classy try and then, just before full time, veteran back rower John Turner made a welcome return to the side diving over for a try from the back of a maul on the try line. Brett Watson was in fine form kicking five conversions and only narrowly missing the other two.

Tymlock 3 points went to Woody Fraser for another outstanding captain’s game leading from the front. Bungendore Rural Supplies 2 points went to Morne Ferreira who was aggressive at the breakdown and worked hard all game. Royal Hotel 1 point went to Jason Brodrick who jumped exceptionally well in the line outs stealing many Vikings throw-ins. The Botham Fencing Coach’s award went to Morne Ferreira whose game has improved immensely this season and the Chick’s Pick was given to speedy fullback Jeremy Taylor for playing another fast and furious game.

Next week the Mudchooks are playing at home against their old foe the Taralga Tigers with a 2:30pm kick-off.