Rivalries to ignite in Binalong
Only 30 kilometres separate Binalong and Harden, meaning the Hawks and Brahmans call on plenty of history.
After a brief hiatus, the Brahmans triumphantly returned to the Blumers Lawyers George Tooke Shield competition in 2024 and will reignite their rivalry with the Hawks on Saturday.
Playing in Round Seven of the men’s tackle and league tag competitions, it’s set to be two heavyweight bouts as the Hawks and Hawkettes battle the Brahmans in their arena.
Binalong had won five on the trot before their Round Six 38-20 loss to Cootamundra, and the Chris Rawlinson-led Brahmans will be out to rediscover their winning ways.
In contrast, Harden has put a tough start to their campaign behind them, registering three consecutive victories.
The Nick Hall-coached outfit almost beat Cootamundra in Round Three, going down 18-14, and have since defeated North Canberra 32-12, Boorowa 24-8, and Crookwell 18-10.
Moving to fourth on the competition ladder, Harden now sits just one win off the ladder-leading Bungendore Tigers, who the second-placed Cootamundra Bulldogs and third-placed Brahmans join.
Still, the Brahmans will be up for a big outing at Binalong Recreation Oval as they look to keep pace with the leaders.
It’s set to be another big match down the road at Cootamundra, with the Bulldogs taking on reigning premiers, Boorowa.
The Bulldogs have been firing in recent weeks, scoring a combined 84 points in their wins over North Canberra and Binalong.
Boorowa, on the other hand, is in fifth with three wins and three losses and the reigning champs are yet to record back-to-back victories.
Following their 38-18 win over the UC Stars in Round Six, the Alex Stewart-coached Rovers will be out to get one over the competition heavyweights and solidify their position in the GTS top five.
In other men’s tackle matches, Crookwell and North Canberra meet at Crookwell Memorial Oval, and both the Green Devils and Bears will be keen to get off the one-win mark.
UC Stars must make arguably the toughest away trip this year when taking on the top-of-the-table Bungendore Tigers at Mick Sherd Oval on Saturday.
Click here for the GTS men’s tackle ladders, draws, and results.
She Devils out to continue their march up the ladder
The Crookwell She Devils signalled their intent in Round Six of the 2024 Blumers Lawyers George Tooke Shield league tag competition, holding Harden to a 16-all draw at McLean Oval.
The Hawkettes have been almost impossible to beat at home over the past decade, and the She Devils came very close.
The thrilling draw came hot on the heels of a three-game winning run, where Crookwell defeated Boorowa 12-10, UC Stars 36-nil, and Bungendore 22-nil.
On Saturday, the She Devils will face another tough test when they host the ever-improving North Canberra Bears at Crookwell Memorial Oval.
The fifth-placed bears Pushed Harden and Cootamundra in rounds four and five, respectively, before defeating Bungendore 22-10 on Saturday.
Facing Crookwell on their home deck will be challenging, but this could very well be a sneak preview to GTS finals footy.
In other Round Seven games, Binalong hosts the top-of-the-table Harden at Binalong Recreation Oval, and Boorowa visits Cootamundra, with the Roverettes take on the Bullettes.
In what could be the game of the round, both the Bungendore Tigerettes and UC Stars will be looking to get off the mark when meeting at Mick Sherd Oval.
Click here for the GTS league tag ladders, draws, and results.
