A 26-12 loss to Wagga Kangaroos on Saturday has had major implications for the Cootamundra Bulldogs, as they drop from fifth to seventh with one competition round remaining.
The Bulldogs travelled to Wagga for Round 15 of the Group 9 First Grade premiership knowing that a win would most likely seal a finals berth, their first since 2013.
A penalty goal to James Smart, followed by tries to Chantz Carey and Hayden Joliffe, had the home side leading 14-0 at half-time.
Kangaroos were first to score again shortly after the break through Joel Kelly, but a resilient Cootamundra outfit forced their way back into the contest.
Sam Bragg was the first to get the Bulldogs on the board and when Ned Murray followed suit, the difference was only six points.
The 18-12 scoreline was as close as Cootamundra would get, as the Bulldogs were not able to convert their continued possession and momentum.
A Kangaroos side hell-bent on keeping their own finals chances alive was able to execute their attacking opportunities, with Smart and Kelly both scoring to give the Wagga side a comfortable buffer which they held through to full-time.
Cootamundra captain-coach Luke Berkrey said his side struggled to match Kangaroos early and paid the price.
“We struggled early with their speed around the ruck. But I was super proud of how we got ourselves back into the game but unfortunately we wasted a few chances to stay right on top in that period.”
Berkrey also praised the victors.
“As proud as I am of our efforts again, and have been all year, I feel they were the better side
on Saturday.”
Cootamundra will now travel to play the high-flying South City Bulls on Sunday, after the Bulls thrashed Brothers 68-6 last weekend, to set up a three-way battle with the Bulldogs and Kangaroos for the fifth and final spot in the finals series.
With all three sides sitting on fourteen competition points, Kangaroos match against Young on Saturday will be closely monitored by the Bulldogs.
A Kangaroos loss will pave the way for the winner of the Cootamundra and South City game to advance.
A win to Kangaroos, who have a superior points for-and-against difference over the remaining two contenders, should be enough see them hold on to fifth place.
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