Harden books a semi-final date with Bungendore
Harden has earned the right to play Bungendore for a spot in the Blumers Lawyers George Tooke Shield (GTS) grand final following a convincing 26-16 victory over the Binalong Brahmans in Saturday’s qualifying final at Binalong Recreation Oval.
While Binalong scored a couple of late tries to make the scoreline appear a little closer than it was, Harden was on top for most of the contest, as they secured a 10-point victory and earned a crack at Bungendore.
Centre Jack Nichols was a standout, scoring a hat-trick of tries, while fellow outside backs Austin Power and Riley Manwaring crossed in the win.
“It was a really good win, and I was really happy with the defence,” Hall said.
“We’re not the biggest hitting side, but they hung in there and gave our attack a chance.”
While games are typically won in the middle third, Hall was quick to praise his outside backs that featured throughout the hard-hitting fixture.
“Our back five had to do a lot better than they previously had, and they were up to it,” Hall said.
“Jack Nichols scored three tries, and that was on the back of shape and good work done by the whole side.
“Still, he had to be good to finish off those plays, and all those players were better getting us out of our end and starting off our sets better.”
Unfortunately, the win has come at a loss for Harden, and now joining enigmatic William Hills (broken jaw) on the sideline are front rowers Alex Slavin (suspension) and Patrick Smith (knee).
“It would have been better to finish off with a win against Binalong in the regular season, win the minor premiership, and get the week off, but it is what it is, and we had to play Binalong, and now we’ll contend with a few unavailabilities,” Hall said.
“They (Bungendore) get the weeks freshen-up, and that hurts us a little bit, and we’re a bit undermanned, but that’s footy.
“We’ll have to take that ‘next man up’ mentality into the game, and guys will have to step up.”
Bungendore has been the team to beat in 2024, with the Tigers winning the minor premiership, and Hall is expecting another tough trip to Mick Sherd Oval on Saturday.
“They are a good side, motivated, well-drilled, and a pretty bonded unit over there, with a couple of similar faces in the side over the past few seasons,” Hall said.
“They tick a lot of boxes regarding favouritism for this season, and it will be tough beating them at home.
“It’s going to be an interesting one, and we’ll see how it goes.
While Bungendore hosts Harden at Mick Sherd Oval on Saturday for a place in the GTS decider, everything is on the line at Binalong Recreation Oval as the Brahmans host the Bulldogs in their elimination semi-final.
Binalong will be looking to bounce back following their 10-point defeat to Harden, while Cootamundra will look to continue a Cinderella run.
The Bulldogs took on reigning premiers Boorowa at Les Boyd Oval on Saturday, and a Jacob Maher double inspired Cootamundra to a 32-18 win.
With campaigns on the line, there’s everything to play for, as the winner of Saturday’s match lives to fight another day, while the loser will prepare for Mad Monday.
Click here for the GTS men’s tackle finals draw.
Bullettes get shot at Hawettes
In what will be a replay of the 2023 Blumers Lawyers GTS league tag major semi-final and Grand Final, both won by the Harden Hawkettes, the Cootamundra Bullettes will take on their arch-rivals at Mick Sherd Oval on Saturday.
A young Bullettes squad are a year older and wiser in 2024, and they will be out to cause a big upset against the high-flying Hawkettes and win their way into the decider.
Cootamundra won the right to play Harden last Saturday, defeating the Crookwell She Devils 14-8 at Binalong Recreation Oval.
Maddison Gillies, Andie McTavish, and Piper Scott scored for Cootamundra in the thrilling six-point win.
For Crookwell, they get a second chance and will travel to Binalong on Saturday to take on the Jersey Girls.
Binalong will be tough to beat on their home deck following a hard-fought 14-nil win over the North Canberra Bears in Cootamundra on Saturday.
Click here for the GTS league tag finals draw.
