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Mudchooks To Host 2011 Grand Final
[ Saturday, 20 August 2011 ]

The Mudchooks are going to host the 2011 Monaro Second Division Rugby Union grand final after winning a close and hard fought major semi-final at Bungendore last Saturday.

The Jindabyne Bushpigs are always tough competitors and the Mudchooks had to work harder than they have done all season to win the match 15 – 12. Time and again each side attacked their opponent’s line and time and again the defensive lines held. Both teams scored two tries each with Luke Payten thrilling the crowd with some excellent attacking runs and the Mudchooks were unlucky not to score another couple of tries. Finally, it was a penalty goal kicked by Aaron Williams late in the second half that secured the game for the Mudchooks.

The Mudchooks are now showing the skills and determination that is required to win finals rugby, with a big improvement in their line outs and commitment to the breakdown, but some wayward passes and turnovers when the ball was dropped in the tackle will need to be corrected for the grand final.

Tymlock three points went to Morne Ferreira for another great tight forward game in which he scored the first try in his rugby career. Bungendore Rural Service two points went to Eddie Mitford-Burgess and the Royal Hotel one point went to front rowers Adam Stevens and Andrew Turner. Luke Payten received the Botham Fencing coach’s award and also the Chicks’ Pick.

The Mudchooks will play the winner of the final match between Jindabyne and Crookwell in their fifth grand final on Saturday 3 September at Bungendore.