The Coota Blues continued their barnstorming start to the 2026 season with a massive 150-point win over the Molonglo Juggernaughts at Clarke Oval on Saturday, 11 April. Final scores were Cootamundra 23 – 20 – 158 to Molonglo 1 – 2 – 8.
Kicking against a fairly stiff breeze in the first term, the Blues quickly asserted their dominance by slamming on seven unanswered goals to set the scene for what was to be a long day for the visitors.
The Blues kicked another five in the third term, five in the third before capping off the win with a six goal in the last quarter.
To put the win in some perspective, despite being crowned Premiers last season, the Molonglo Club has been decimated with player loss and appear to be very much in a rebuilding mode. A couple of injuries to key players early in the game certainly didn’t help their cause, but to their credit, their undermanned lineup battled hard all day against huge odds.
For the home side, the day very much belonged to new recruit, Jay Penay, who dominated the match for the full four quarters as an onballer changing in the forward line. With excellent clearance work and great use of the football, Penay was also on fire around goals, finishing with an amazing nine goal haul to be what was clearly the best player on the paddock.
Dan Conway, in his first game for the Blues, was also very impressive at Centre Half Forward, and looks to be a player of class with impressive skills, strong hands and plenty of football smarts.
The Blues had winners all over the ground with Doug Arthur again impressing with his deadly left foot and ability to gain possession at ground level. James Warwick was a constant ball winner and was very elusive around the contests.
Sean Regan started the game at half back and was impassable in the first half before having a run on the ball. He also looks to be in great touch.
Down back Flynn Sierant marked everything that came his way and was well supported by Angus Malmo and Darion O’Toole( who were also excellent four quarter contributors).
With plenty of ball in the blues forward line, full forward Joel Pearson fought out an intriguing battle with a couple of Molonglo defenders and finished the day with a very respectable five majors.
The Blues will now enjoy a three week break before travelling to Canberra to tackle the Woden Blues.
Goals: Jay Penay 9, Joel Pearson 5, Dan Conway 3, Brad Hoffman and Doug Arthur 2 each and one each to Darion O’Toole and James Warwick.
Best Players Jay Penay, Doug Arthur, Sean Regan, James Warwick, Darion O’Toole, Angus Malmo, Dan Conway and Flynn Sierant.
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