Mudchooks v Jindabyne
[ Saturday, 21 July 2012 ]

The Jindabyne Bushpigs showed why they are Monaro Second Division competition leaders with a convincing 35-22 win over the Bungendore Mudchooks at Jindabyne on 21 July. However, this is not to say that the Mudchooks did not play well, because they did, and they are improving with every game, a fact acknowledged by senior Bushpigs players.

The Mudchooks started well with Aaron Williams kicking a long range penalty three minutes into the game, followed a few minutes later with an excellent try by Josh Stevens. But the Bushpigs used the wind at their backs to keep the ball deep in Mudchooks territory, and used powerful driving mauls to get within striking distance of the Mudchooks try line.

The score was 17-10 to Jindabyne at half time and the Mudchooks started the second half with the wind at their backs and a sense of confidence, which was borne out soon after the start with a scintillating intercept try to Scott Bakos. However, the Bushpigs then took control of the game, scoring another three tries which the Mudchooks could only answer with just one more try to Sam Magro, which was his first for the Mudchooks.

Tymlock Fencing 3 points – Sam Magro; Bungendore Rural Services 2 points – Eddie Mitford-Burgess; Royal Hotel 1 point – Adam Stevens; Bungendore Community Bank coach’s award – Sam Magro; Chicks’ Pick – Luke Payten.

The Mudchooks’ next game will be against Crookwell at Crookwell on 28 July. Crookwell is ahead of Bungendore in third place on the competition ladder, so it is a vital game for the Mudchooks to win.