The Cootamundra Bulldogs have suffered their first loss in the 2022 George Tooke Shield Season, being upset by the UC Stars 22-18. The game at Les Boyd Oval at Fisher Park last Saturday afternoon is one to be quickly forgotten for Jordyn Ballard’s men, but with key lessons to be learned.
The Bulldogs were in first position on the ladder leading into the home game, whilst the Stars were languishing in seventh. Malachi Murray, Jack Nasser, Charlie Tucker all crossed the paint for the hosts, with Luke Levett good enough to convert some into six points, but it wasn’t to be enough.
Cootamundra will be looking to quickly turnaround their fortunes this weekend in round five when they come up against the Boorowa Rovers at 2:30pm on Saturday.
It was better news for the Bulldogs in the Ladies League Tag as they ran rampant with a win over the UC Stars, prior to the men’s game on Saturday afternoon. The Bulldogs ladies defeated the Stars 28-12, highlighted by the performance of Brydee Harden who crossed the paint twice for the hosts from their five tries.
Matilda Bucknell was impressive with the boot, converting four of five tries. The Bulldogs who are still undefeated so far in season 2022, with three wins from three games, as well as a bye, are sitting in third position on the table behind the also undefeated Hawkettes and North Canberra Bears.
Saturday’s clash against the Boorowa Rovers, who share the same record as the Bulldogs, will be a mouthwatering proposition, with kick-off set for midday.
Tim Warren