The Mudchooks scored a good victory at Mick Sherd Oval last Saturday, defeating the Hall Bushrangers 22-19 in what – in the second half at least – was probably their best performance so far this year.

The game started an hour later than usual due to sharing the day with the Tigers rugby league team and the oval’s floodlights were turned at the start as it was known the game would finish in encroaching darkness. In what was a good day for Bungendore’s rugby teams –  the Mudchicks also won their away game. Two in a row for both our teams!

The Mudchooks continued to suffer from ongoing injuries which limited options and only two substitute players were available on the bench. The return to the team after a year off by flyhalf, director of traffic and goal kicker Tom Worman was a big plus.

With the Mudchooks playing into a strong wind in the first half the team did well to keep the score at 5-all until the last minute of the first half through an early try to Hall, matched later by one to the Chooks’ Jone Waqa.

Unfortunately the Bushrangers scored a converted try right on half time to make it 12-5 to them at the break, not too bad considering the wind, but it’s fair to say the Mudchooks had wasted some opportunities.

Coach Ray Caranese’s talk at half time had the desired effect, the team no longer needlessly kicking away possession or pushing passes which caused promising moves to break down.

The Chooks responded strongly, converted tries to prop Alex Ganchov and centre Maloni Tubekitu plus a penalty goal by Tom Worman took the team into the lead 22-12 as the second half wore on. Another converted try by the Bushrangers made it 22-19 in the game’s tense final minutes but the Mudchooks hung on to win.

Player awards and points for the game were:

Best and Fairest: Royal Hotel – Tom Worman (3 points),
Maloni Tubekitu (2 points),
Alex Ganchov and Kalib Maksimovic (1 point each).

Players’ Player: Mint Air Conditioning and Refrigeration – Tom Worman.
Coach’s Player: Bungendore Community Bank – Tom Worman.
Chicks’ Pick: MV Panel and Paint – Tom Worman.