Story by Stewart Wilson

It was always going to be a tough one for the Mudchooks against the
Jindabyne Bushpigs at Mick Sherd Oval on Saturday, the undefeated
competition leaders well clear on the table. They have racked up 70 or
80 points in several games so far.

And so it proved to be, the Bushpigs defeating the Chooks 24-0 after
leading 12-0 at half time. The Mudchooks’ cause wasn’t helped by
game-ending injuries suffered by two key players, but at the end of
the day the slick and well organised Bushpigs were just too good.

They are a very good team for which the odds are shortening for them
to claim their third successive premiership in 2024.

But let us never forget that any team is beatable so it’s not over
yet!

The result is no disgrace for the Mudchooks who never gave up with
every player giving his all until the final whistle. The fact that
Jindabyne’s score was restricted to a – for them – modest one
speaks for itself and the commitment of our boys against a formidable
opposition is praiseworthy.

The Mudchooks are now fifth on table and still on target for the semis
but there’s a handful of teams within a few points of each other
with six rounds of the regular season to go. The Chooks’ next game
is away against the Crookwell Dogs next Saturday, 6 July, and they are
just one point behind us on the table.

We beat Crookwell 43-14 at home in the opening round, so a repeat
performance would be a great result. Go boys!

Player awards and their sponsors for the Jindabyne match were:
Best and Fairest:
Royal Hotel – Joe Nagauna (3 points),
Alex Ganchov (2 points),
Jack Worman (1 point).
Players’ Player:
Mint Air Conditioning and Refrigeration – Alex Ganchov.
Coach’s Player: Bungendore Community Bank – Gerhardus Pretorius.
Chicks’ Pick: NV Panel and Paint – Connor Costello.