Cutting stars for Boorowa as Rovers claim George Tooke Shield

By Jeff Hanson

The Boorowa Rovers have claimed the 2023 Blumers Lawyers George Tooke Shield after defeating the Crookwell Green Devils 22-8 in Saturday's Grand Final at Crookwell Memorial Oval.

Both sides had some standout performances, but Boorowa halfback Jayden Cutting was the clear best-on-ground pick.

Playing a starring role for the Rovers, Cutting was involved in every one of his side's tries, scoring two himself and setting up two more to claim the Gary Marmont Medal.

The 23-year-old was thrilled to be recognised but quickly deflected all the praise onto his teammates.

"It means so much to win the medal," Cutting said.

"Anyone on the field could have won that medal, and to be the recipient means a lot, but I couldn't have done it without the boys and all credit to them."

A proud local product, Cutting was just happy to help deliver Boorowa their first title in 40 years. 

"It's massive for the club and the community," Cutting said,

"A few of the old boys were there, and they couldn't finish it off 24 years ago, and to do it for them was pretty emotional.

"Plus, Crookwell is probably the hardest team to beat at home, and to beat them in Crookwell in a Grand Final is a massive effort by all the boys."

It was an absorbing contest, and midway through the second half, it was anyone's to win.

Cutting touched on the vocal support, which he believes pushed Boorowa over the line.

"I think at the back end of the game, everyone was out on their feet, and the crowd on our side started a massive chant, giving us that second wind," Cutting said.

"There was a period there where they couldn't get out of their end, and we got stuck in the grind, and with that support, we scored those last two tries and come home with a wet sail."

While Boorowa's triumph headlined a big day of Canberra Region Rugby League (CRRL) Grand Finals in Crookwell, in the 2023 Blumers Lawyers George Tooke Shield League-Tag decider, Harden playmaker Eliza Butt was recognised for her standout performance as the Hawkettes defeated the Cootamundra Bullettes 10-nil.

The enterprising playmaker pulled all the right strings and put in a colossal effort in defence, making tag after tag for the Hawkettes.

Despite her efforts, Butt said she was caught off guard when her name was called out for the award.

"I definitely didn't think I deserved it," Butt said.

"Everyone played outstanding today. I'm very grateful, but anyone could have won it, and the main thing is that we won."

The Bullettes showed up, and the Hawkettes were made to work for the result and their fifth title since 2016.

It was a defensive stoush as both sides made some unbelievable tags.

Ultimately, a first-half try to Georgia Smith and a second-half meat pie for Chloe Muggleton proved the difference.

"It was a tough game, but we knew what we had to do when we went out there and that was to keep to our game plan, go out and win as a team, and work on our defence," Butt said,

"Defence is a big thing against this Coota team, which we found out earlier this year, and we did that really well, and it was good to get the win."

The 2023 Blumers Lawyers Katrina Fanning Shield Tier 2 Grand Final opened proceedings on Saturday, and the Queanbeyan Blues toppled the Harden WorHawks 32-14.

Blues halfback Briony Frater had a hand in most of Queanbeyan's tries and was awarded the Cath Welch Medal for a terrific exhibition of attacking Rugby League.

"Honestly, I could give this medal to a couple of the players in this team today, and I never expected to be handed it," Frater said.

"To have my name called up is unbelievable."

The WorHawks entered the match as favourites, but Frater explained that the Blues stuck to their guns and came out on top.

"Our plan was not to worry about their game but worry about playing the game we know how to play," Frater said.

"It was about getting over the line, finishing our sets, and making our tackles.

"Harden tried getting in our heads quite a few times, especially when they scored at the start of both halves, but we stuck to our game and came out on top."

It's been a remarkable turnaround for the Blues, and a Grand Final will hopefully spur the close-knit side onto more success.

"It's massive to win, especially coming off the back of last year," Frater said.

"We didn't even think we'd finish the season this year, but having the numbers show up has been awesome and full credit to all the girls for showing up every weekend, getting behind everyone, and getting the job done."

Saturday brought an end to the GTS and KFS tier 2 competitions.

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