Tigers edge Bulldogs in last-gasp GTS thriller

Author: Jeff Hanson
Timestamp: Tue 9 Jul 2024, 02:57 PM

On Saturday, it was an edge-of-the-seat thriller in Cootamundra as the Bungendore Tigers scored a last-gasp victory over the Bulldogs at Les Boyd Oval.

Playing in Round 11 of the Blumers Lawyers George Tooke Shield competition, the lead changed frequently throughout an entertaining fixture as the top-of-the-table teams battled in front of a vocal Cootamundra crowd.

It was a match that seemed to be slipping away from the Tigers, with the Bulldogs in a commanding position, leading 24-22 with only seconds left on the clock. But in a twist that no one saw coming, Bungendore had other plans.

It was a moment of sheer determination and resilience. Luke Colquhoun, the hero for the visitors, didn't give up.

He crossed on the left edge after the siren had sounded, securing the unlikeliest of victories. Bungendore's never-say-die spirit left Cootamundra stunned, and the audience devastated.

It was a match that was not for the faint-hearted. The physicality was evident from the early stages, with referee Housh Fallah being called upon as tempers flared, adding to the intensity of the game.

Despite ominous signs, Fallah did a great job, allowing the Bulldogs and Tigers to play a physical but fast-flowing match.

Cootamundra struck early, and on the back of a penalty, Jacob Maher swung the ball right, delivering a cut-out pass to winger Elliot Patterson, who scored on the right touchline.

Jordyn Ballard missed the difficult conversion attempt, and the Bulldogs led 4-nil after a few minutes of play.

Bungendore’s big pack started to get on the front foot, forcing Cootamundra to make uncharacteristic errors close to their own line.

A burrowing Thomas Warner made them pay when scooting and scoring from close range.

Following the try, Bungendore stormed down the field, with a charging Aidan Oakley setting the tone with a massive hit-up from the ensuing kick-off.

Two plays later, Josh Baker split Cootamundra’s right edge, and there was no catching the big second-rower, who sprinted the best part of 65 metres to score under the posts.

Daniel Jacobs made up for his earlier miss, slotting the conversion, and Bungendore led 10-4 after 21 minutes of play.

In a match dictated by ebbs and flows, it was Cootamundra on the front foot after points, with the likes of Cooper Emonson and Thomas Miller showing no fear as they started to get a bigger Bungendore pack on the back foot, which led to a timely penalty.

In attacking territory, Ballard fought his way through four would-be defenders to score a decisive try under the posts, and when he converted, the scores were locked at 10-all with five minutes remaining in the first half.

Unfortunately, the end of the first half was marred by a severe knee injury to Ballard, who later left the ground by ambulance.

Despite missing their leader and playmaker, Cootamundra started the second half where they left off in the first half.

The home side found touch off the kick-off and took full advantage, with a charging Pateresio Vota putting his side in good field position before Pasa Leautuli crossed on the right edge.

The conversion attempt was missed, and Cootamundra led 14-10 after 37 minutes.

With their tails up, the Dogs were showing some bite, even winning the forward’s battle as the evergreen Grant Boyd led the way from the front.

Vota was again strong for the Bulldogs, and following a Bungendore penalty, the barnstorming centre put winger Beratabua Biutisuva over for an excellent try on the left touchline.

Maher missed the difficult conversion attempt, but Cootamundra led 18-10 after 50 minutes.

Momentum again swung the way of Bungendore, and they scored a try against the run of play.

Following a Carl Johnson kick, Peter Mortimer regathered the Steeden and grubbered through for Luke Colquhoun, who scored a well-earned try.

Jacobs was again on target, and Bungendore reduced the margin to two points and trailed Cootamundra 18-16 with 16 minutes left on the clock.

Mortimer went on to play an inspiring stint for the Tigers, and he was helped by Brad Laurent. The pair led their team forward.

After Johnson forced a repeat set, Mortimer showcased sheer strength and hard running when muscling his way through a litter of Bulldogs defenders to score on the right edge.

Jacobs again converted, and Bungendore now led 22-18 with 12 minutes left.

With the clock winding down, it appeared Bungendore might have done enough, but Maher was again in the thick of the action.

The Cootamundra playmaker kicked for space, which led to a regather and a string of passes before Biutisuva crossed for his second try on the left touchline.

Given the kicking duties after Ballard’s injury, Brendan Kelleher slotted the difficult conversion attempt, and the Bulldogs led 24-22 with only three minutes left on the clock.

Cootamundra was holding firm despite Bungendore charging down a kick before earning a penalty.

With 30 seconds left in the match, all the home side had to do was hold the ball.

Somehow, Grant Boyd lost possession on what would have been the home side’s final tackle, and Bungendore was on the attack.

As they chanced their arm one final time, the siren rang out across Les Boyd Oval, and Colquhoun would be the hero as he crossed for the game-winning try.