The Cootamundra Tri-Colours are on a war path in the 2026 South West Fuels Cup, now giving the Yabbies a tough round of footy on Saturday on their home ground and coming out with a 38 – 6 win.
Young was fighting to keep their season alive and gave it their all, but Coota were looking to make a statement.
A minute’s silence was held for clubman, Gerald Bassingthwaigte, to honour his life and incredible contributions to the Club.
Coota were quick to get over the line with a try from Jim Hogan within six minutes, which was converted. Coota played strongly on defence with a relentless attack that quickly dismantled the Yabbies enough to keep piling on points.
The score stood at 21 – 6 at half time after Young was able to capitalise on penalties.
Young weren’t able to shift the momentum as Coota’s Jack Hogan, Gus Forster and Dan Dowson were tireless in attack and defence all day, making sure no half of the paddock was safe for the Yabbies.
Oliver Wilson and Angus Hunt made their first-grade debuts, and what a game to jump in on. The Club were very pleased with the performance of the new players, but even more pleased to secure the Ben Smith Memorial Trophy, presented by Ben’s wife and young children.
Player’s player – Ben Coe
Three points – Jim Hogan
Two Points – Angus ‘Angie’ Forster
One Point – Oliver Wilson and Angus Hunt
Captain Hamish Pennington of Coota said it was very good to get such a convincing win against a strong side like Young.
“Everything came together very well on the day. We have been getting some really good numbers for training. What we’ve been practising, we put into play, and everyone turned up. We still had five starting players and eight players out from our usual side, but we were able to scramble together a very solid team, which shows that we do have a lot of depth, not just numbers.
“Our discipline was sensational. Having some quality refereeing helps heaps, and everyone from one to 24 stood up and played really well. Everyone did their job, and it was really promising.
“Having some very good wingers to finish tries makes such a massive difference. We had Jim Hogan, who was our best player on the day. He was outstanding in finishing tries, which was really good.
“They never got on the front foot. They were always on the back foot, and they didn’t score a try; their six points came from penalty goals. The scoreboard showed that our defence was one of the best performances we’ve put on for a very long time. To keep them scoreless against a quality side in Young was great, I was so happy.
“They threw everything they’ve got; they said to us that was their full strength side and we dominated them, which was really good, and they were fighting to keep their season alive too. They’ll be fighting uphill now to keep their season alive.
“This week we have Boorowa at Coota. It will be a top-of-the-table clash this weekend.
“Beating them will be a massive ask for us, but we are up and ready to go; we’re very excited.
“The game was played in really good country rugby spirits; discipline was great, everyone turned up, and it was a really good game of footy.”
Coota will play Boorowa at Coota on July 18 at 3:15pm.
Jack Murray
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