At the Sydney Football Stadium on August 17 1994, George Gregan famously made a tackle that stopped All Black winger Jeff Wilson from securing the Bledisloe Cup for his nation.
15 years later, almost to the day, George Gregory has shown that he not only shares the same initials as the former Wallaby Great, but he too has saved his side from certain defeat by making a match winning tackle.
With minutes to go, and the game in the balance, Bungendore’s number 8 regathered a kick from his inside backs and had nothing but space between he, the try line and victory.
Gregory had to turn and chase and for a short time it appeared to the large crowd that the fat lady had sung.
It was apparent that Gregory was not in the mood for music and he tenuously made ground on his opponent.
Within metres of the try line Gregory made his tackle and the rest they say is history.
Boorowa have had better starts to games this season.
Fifteen minutes in, the Bungendore Mudchooks had scored their second try to settle into to a comfortable 12-0 lead.
Both tries were relatively opportunistic and ironically were scored during the few instances the Mudchooks had ventured into Boorowa’s half.
If their first two tries were opportunistic, their third try was quite the opposite. From a set piece midfield the Bungendore inside backs found space following a classy move that picked up their number eight who scored un-opposed.
Despite two penalty conversions from Corey Randall, the 19-6 score line at half time was cause for concern for the large crowd.
After the break Boorowa were content to play a patient game and continued to take opportunities for points as they came.
Another Randall penalty meant the Goldies were cribbing their way back into the match and were now playing with conviction.
Midway through the second half Boorowa had launched countless attacks on the Mudchooks line.
A turn over relieved pressure on the visitors however the clearing kick failed to find touch.
George Gregory ran the ball back towards Bungendore’s line evading a number of players before picking up Richard Manion off his left hip.
Manion broke two tackles and out ran a number of defenders before scoring in the corner.
Still trailing by 5 points Boorowa were now at least within a converted try of pulling off what 40 minutes earlier seemed impossible.
Boorowa continued to drive play into Bungendore’s half.
Pick and drive play was pushed right, across the face of Bungendore’s line.
With ten minutes remaining in the match, Dane Rowley grabbed the ball at the back of a ruck close to the line on the right side of the field to score the equaliser for the Goldies.
The touch judges’ flags were held aloft signalling Corey Randall’s successful conversion from the side line, however the crowds’ jubilation was short lived in the realisation that the men in Gold now had to defend their 2 point lead.
Boorowa sustained two wayward drop goals and a runaway try opportunity (see paragraph one and two) to record a thrilling victory and a place in this year’s Monaro grand final.
The match was one of the most entertaining witnessed for a number of years at the Boorowa Showground.
Apart from the quality of rugby displayed, the attitude of the Goldies in refusing to capitulate and seeing the job through was the real highlight of the day.
Next weekend the vanquished Mudchooks play Crookwell to decide who meets the minor premiers in the Grand Final on September 4 at the Boorowa Showground.
The club invites the Boorowa Community to come along and support their side.
The players are very appreciative of the support they have received during the year and are counting on the whole community to cheer them on in the Grand Final. Show your support by decorating your house or business in gold or by wearing something gold to the game.
Carn’ the Goldie’s.
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