Graham Moorby celebrates with his fellow Rovers during the weekend’s match against Boomanulla. Photo: RS Williams.
Following a victory over the Boomanulla Raiders on the weekend the Boorowa Rovers have climbed back into top spot on the George Tooke Shield ladder with just three rounds to play.
The Rovers won 26-18 against a plucky Raiders outfit with the game in the balance until a converted try sealed it right on the final siren.
The Rovers may have got the points but the win was certainly not one for the highlights package as it appeared the three week layoff left the side a little bit rusty.
Both sides played attacking football early and it was the Rovers who drew first blood when John Butterfield went over under the sticks for a converted try and a 6-0 lead. Boomanulla hit back straight away to level at 6-all with Gavin Johnston crossing for the home team.
The Raiders were in again shortly after and at 10-6 it was evident the Rovers were really in for a tough afternoon.
After twenty five minutes the game swung in favour of the Rovers when Boomanulla were reduced to twelve men when the Raiders lost a player to the sin bin.
Boorowa capitalised shortly after when Justin Corkery crossed in the corner to make it 10-10 with an unconverted try.
Just before half time the versatile Anthony Crowe made one of his trademark breaks scooting down the left hand touch line before offloading to Mike Smith in support for a four pointer.
The attempted conversion hit the upright and the score remained 14-10 to the Rovers as the teams went to oranges.
In the second half, Boomanulla levelled the scores early on after several Boorowa errors saw the Raiders able to launch multiple attacking raids.
Darryl Allett scored for the Raiders with a deft chip kick but again the try was unconverted for a 14-14 score line.
Shortly after, a controversial 40-20 kick by Boomanulla had them on the attack again from which they scored for an 18-14 lead.
Boomanulla were on top at this stage and the lead could well have been extended except for some desperate defence by the Rovers who held the attacking players up over the line on two occasions.
With fifteen to go the Rovers were able to mount their own attack and the Super Sub Bluey Izzard crashed over under the post to put the Rovers back in front at 20-18.
To their credit the Raiders just kept on coming and in the dying minutes a fine Scott Sattler-like tackle from Sam Lynam snuffed out an attacking move that could have led to a Boomanulla try.
With just two to go the Raiders threw the ball around like a hot spud but it was the Rovers who would have the final say in the game when hooker Nick Keeley scrambled over beside the posts for Crowe to convert and make the final score 26-18.
Among the best for the Rovers was Sam Lynam who kept on going all day long whilst Graham Moorby continued to lead by example as skipper.
Nick Keeley was tireless at hooker whilst Anthony Crowe was elusive as always.
Apart from the two points, the other positive was that the side had no significant injuries and last weekend’s game certainly got rid of a few cob webs.
The ladder after last weekend now sees Boorowa on 16, Hall 16, Bungendore 14, Harden 14, Boomanulla 10, Crookwell 4 and Goulburn on 4.
This Sunday the Rovers travel to Crookwell to meet the Green Devils in what could be a real danger game.
Crookwell had the bye last weekend after going down narrowly to the defending premiers Bungendore.
At full strength, Crookwell are very competitive and always seem to lift when playing the Rovers.
However if they are on their game the Rovers should take the points.
In other club news, the Jackpot Joker is still laughing at all contestants and now stands at $4900.
Don’t miss your chance at taking the cash home Friday night when the draw for the next lucky contestant takes place at the Ram at 6.30.
Don’t forget to mark Saturday August 11 in your calendar when Ladies Day takes place with a home game against old foes the Harden Hawks.
This promises to be a big day both on and off the field and one not to be missed.
-Sand Boy
