First Grade Debutant Harry Boxsell with parents Jason & Kim Boxsell.
In the heart of Group 9 rugby league country, where the crowd’s roar echoes across rolling hills, a special kind of magic unfolded at Les Boyd Oval. It was a day of milestones and memories, new beginnings and celebrated legacies, as the Cootamundra Bulldogs and the Gundagai Tigers locked horns in a clash that would be remembered for more than just the final score.
Bulldogs Coach David Buttriss reflected on the game, highlighting the team’s resilience despite facing significant challenges. “We went into that game with about six first graders missing, lost our five-eight five minutes into the game, and the grit the boys showed to hang on there for the last 25 minutes was good,” Buttriss said.
For one local junior, it was a day that marked the culmination of a dream. Harry Boxsell, a name whispered with promise in the Bulldogs’ junior ranks, was about to make his First Grade debut.
“We got an opportunity on the weekend to give Harry Boxsell his first grade debut, and luckily enough for him, he ended up crossing over for a try, which was awesome,” Buttriss shared.
This infusion of youthful energy and talent was a thrilling sign of the Bulldogs’ future. Boxsell’s inclusion wasn’t just a personal triumph; it was a beacon of hope for the entire club, as he became the fourth member of the Under 18s squad to leap this season.
“We haven’t had the best run with injuries this year. The silver lining in that is we’ve had the opportunity to give four guys their senior debuts this season, which for a Group 9 Club is an awesome effort. We are proud of the boys for keeping up and looking forward to seeing what we can do this weekend against Southcity to finish the year off,” Buttriss explained.
But while one chapter began, another celebrated a remarkable milestone. The game was also a tribute to the unwavering loyalty and dedication of Tom Cronin, who ran out for his 100th First Grade game.
“TC got to play his 100th game on the weekend,” Buttriss noted. “It’s just really good to see a guy like Tommy get that achievement and to see all the support that he had on the weekend from all the other players, and he made sure he celebrated that well last night for sure.”
Affectionately known as “TC,” Cronin’s journey with the Bulldogs began in 2009. Buttriss praised his dedication and character. “He’s been playing in the reserve grade this year… He had a little stint in Aussie Rules. He’s a real sportsman. The Cronins are a big sporting family in Coota. It’s been awesome having Tommy back around the footy club this year. He’s one of those guys that everyone talks to and enjoys a beer and gets out there and does his job on the field too.”
On the field, the Gundagai Tigers brought a formidable challenge. Buttriss recalled the early stages of the match.
“They came out firing. They would carve us up on our edges. I think they got to a 20-0 lead after 25 minutes, and then we got back into a grind, which was good, getting a try before half-time, which worked out well.”
Despite the loss, Buttriss singled out several players for their standout performances. “Tai Vaavale tried a new position in number 13, and he was the best player on the field. He was outstanding and accomplished a great deal of work, doing some good things. He played the full game.”
He also lauded the efforts of others who have been instrumental this year. “He’s played a role in the middle for us this year. It’s good having a guy like Luke (Levett). He doesn’t just work hard in the middle; he provides great leadership and is a real gem to have around the Club,” Buttriss said, adding, “Our front rower, big Nicko, has been outstanding for us this year. He’s been so consistent, played every game, big minutes, gets us onto a roll, so it has to be him, and we’ve got a couple of young outside backs that have stood up for us in times as well this year, Corey Gale and Ned Murray. Ned has come up from the 18s, and he’s been good for us as well.”
When the final whistle blew, the scoreboard read Gundagai Tigers 30, Cootamundra Bulldogs 12. The Tigers had secured the victory, but the Bulldogs had something equally valuable to celebrate. They held onto the coveted Group 9 Challenge Cup. For the Cootamundra Bulldogs, it was a game that proved that heart and history matter just as much as points.
As the season winds down, the Bulldogs now look to their final match against Southcity. Buttriss anticipates a tough contest. “It will be a good game to finish with against Southcity,” he said. “I think it’s going to be a great battle. We got them here in Coota, but they had a couple of key players missing that day, and we’re going to have a couple of key players that we had that day that we won’t have on the weekend, so that will sort of balance things right back up, and it should be a good contest.” The Bulldogs will be without several key players, including both of their halves.
“We won’t have both of our halves, Jordy (Ballard) and Joey (Ward), our hooker, James Patterson, hurt his bicep on the weekend, so he’ll also miss out,” Buttriss confirmed. However, he is hopeful about the younger players stepping up.
“I’m not too sure if we will name any more of the 18s boys this week. I’ll have to see who’s available and go from there, but the four young guys that we brought up this year have done massive jobs for us and certainly have not let us down. They’ve done a great job. It’s like they go to another level when they’re out there with our first-grade boys, so there might be another opportunity to bring them up again.” “It’s not something you plan to do,” Buttriss added about the young players. “But when the opportunities pop up and you just see them grab it with both hands and appreciate it, it’s pleasing.”
The Bulldogs may have tasted defeat on the scoreboard, but they had triumphed more profoundly, and Buttriss’s words captured the true spirit of the club.
– Tully Potts
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