Binalong make statement ahead of GTS finals

The Binalong Brahmans secured second position on the Blumers Lawyers George Tooke Shield (GTS) ladder and, more importantly, a second chance come finals following a convincing 28-4 victory over the Cootamundra Bulldogs at Binalong Recreation Reserve on Saturday.

Playing in the 14th and final round of the 2024 regular season, it was still a must-win contest for two sides already qualified for finals.

A big local crowd was on hand to cheer on the Brahmans, who were up and about in the early stages. Forwards Mark Appleton, Reuben Olah, Will Goode, and Dylan Downey had their side on the front foot.

In fact, Downey scored first, with the hard-working forward crashing over to the right of the posts after ten minutes of play.

Kobi Bradshaw converted, and Binalong led 6-nil.

After points, Binalong made a mistake, and a Cootamundra try loomed likely before a Bradshaw interception relieved the pressure and had the Brahmans on the attack.

Moments later, a deft Chris Rawlinson kick forced a dropout, and the Brahmans were charging toward the Cootamundra try line.

The Bulldogs continued to hold the Brahmans out, but penalties and errors cruelled their momentum.

Rawlinson again forced a dropout, and this time, Binalong would not be stopped, and it was Downey again scoring.

The big forwards shrugged away would-be tacklers as he muscled his way to an excellent try to the right of the posts.

Bradshaw again converted, and Binalong led 12-nil with four minutes left in the first half, and that remained the score at halftime.

The second half started badly for Cootamundra after they lost prop Brendan Kelleher to a leg injury.

Despite the loss, the Bulldogs were the first to score.

Taking advantage of a Binalong error in their own half, playmaker Joe Ward split the Brahmans defence and crossed for a stylish try to the left of the posts.

Jack Caldwell could not convert from nearly in front, and Binalong led Cootamundra 12-4 after 40 minutes of play.

Rawlinson’s boot started to play a more significant role in the match, with the wily veteran finding space and turning the big Cootamundra side around.

The pressure finally told, and a barnstorming Tony Worthy scored a well-deserved try to the left of the posts.

Bradshaw was again on target, and the Brahmans kicked clear to lead 18-4 after 56 minutes.

The Bulldogs had their chances to hit back, and in a physical contest, the Brahmans were up to the challenge, defending multiple sets in their own half.

Binalong all but sealed the result with 13 minutes left on the clock, and a flying Bradshaw scored a well-earned try.

David Brown received the ball on the right edge, and under pressure, he put up a pin-point kick for Bradshaw, who climbed high to make the catch before coming down with the Steeden to score the try of the match.

Bradshaw couldn’t convert the difficult attempt, but the Brahmans led 22-4 heading into the final minutes.

Andrew Swaffield, who scooted and scored from close range, put the result beyond doubt.

Bradshaw slotting the easy conversion attempt put the exclamation mark on a comfortable Binalong victory.

Bungendore secures minor premiership as Boorowa causes Crookwell heartbreak

In a telling Round 14 of the Blumers Lawyers George Tooke Shield (GTS) competition on Saturday, it was congratulations and commiserations as teams locked in their place in the post-season, while others planned for Mad Monday celebrations.

Bungendore won the GTS minor premiership with a 58-10 victory over the North Canberra Bears at Mick Sherd Oval.

In an 11 try to 2 victory, Aidan Oakley crossed for a hat-trick, and Michael Gordan, Josh Baker and Daniel Jacobs scored doubles as the Tigers bared their teeth and earned the first week of the finals off.

For North Canberra, the loss signalled the end of their season.

Crookwell, who was in fifth position and set to play in the GTS finals leading into Round 14, lost to the Harden Hawks 34-16 at Crookwell Memorial Oval.

It was a massive win for the Hawks, who secured third position on the ladder, and a second chance come finals with the win.

For Crookwell, it meant they needed Boorowa to lose to the University of Canberra Stars, and that result led to heartbreak for the Green Devils.

Playing at Boorowa Showground, the winless Stars nearly caused the upset of the season before playing out a 28-all draw with Boorowa.

The one competition point was enough for the Rovers to return to fifth position and secure a place in the GTS finals.

On Saturday, Bungendore has the bye, while Binalong hosts Harden in their qualifying final at Binalong Recreation Reserve, and Cootamundra hosts Boorowa in their elimination final at Les Boyd Oval.

Click here for the GTS ladder, results, and finals draw.