Jordyn Ballard scoring a try for the Bulldogs.
The Cootamundra Bulldogs put on a clinic at Les Boyd Oval last Saturday against the Binalong Brahmans.
The Doggies proved too much as they scored ten tries in their 86-8 domination over the Brahmans. In the win eight different players chipped in on the scoring, those being Brendan Kelleher, Jordyn Ballard (2), Joseph Ward (2), Jack Caldwell, Christopher Maher, Peter Adam and Bradley Walsh.
The Doggies were extremely motivated on the day as they needed a large win to increase their for and against as well as having the 1982 premiership side reunion, their 2007 reserve grade premiership side reunion, Jordyn Ballard’s hundredth game for the club and the Joey Cooper Fundraiser later that night.
All this was too much for the understrength Brahmans, who only had 11 players. Coota stalwart and trainer Ned Miller had to give credit to the Brahmans as they decided to play understrength saying,
“from a club perspective, we are very grateful for them because it allowed us to go ahead with probably the biggest day our club’s had since joining this competition.”
With Ben Spenser breaking his wrist towards the end of the second half and his brother coming straight off a flight from Cambodia to Canberra the Brahmans were really toughed it out.
This didn’t stop them giving the game the effort it deserves as they still scored two tries when outnumbered and gave “plenty of starch in their defence.” This hard nosed defence from the Brahmans led to, “Hayden Cowled getting belted off the kickoff” and left the players saying post game, “they put some whacks on.”
Despite a good effort from the Brahmans the Doggies now have a chance for a deep finals run for the first time in nine years.
This large win increases the Doggies plus minus to around 40 which, depending on results, gives them a chance to take the second place spot, host a home semi final, and possibly a home grand final.
Pre-game the Doggies were creating a special day for Jordyn Ballard’s hundredth game with his grandfather and one of the leading try scorers for the club, Chris Roberts, presenting him his jersey in front of the 83’ and 07’ premiership sides.
Cootamundra Bulldogs have to put the successful weekend behind them as they look to finish off the season strongly this Saturday at Kaleen Enclosed Oval at 2:30 against the North Canberra Bears.