Just four weeks ago it was the Boorowa Crocs who took the spoils in the cricket grand final decider against the Binalong Bush Rangers, whilst last Saturday both the Boorowa Rovers and Roverettes put the Binalong Brahmans and the Binalong Jersey Girls to the sword.

In sweltering conditions more adept for cricket, all teams were certainly tested in the fitness department and it was a credit to all concerned that they handled the conditions quite well. A massive crowd saw some very vocal support for both sides which was exactly the way the local derby should be.

It was the Binalong supporters who were given the chance to roar first when James Blair crossed for the Brahmans after just three minutes.

Binalong raced out of the blocks early on through the dominance of early possession.

Rod Freeman scored for Binalong on the back of a kick through by Dylan Arabin for an 8-0 lead in even time.

The momentum changed when Andrew Burns kicked the ball dead from the kick off and Boorowa began to get an even share of possession.

After 13 minutes, Boorowa troubled the scorer for the first time with a try to Jack Thom which Burns converted to make it 8-6. With the oppressive heat, both sides agreed to drinks break mid-way through each half which was certainly welcomed by the big boppers in each team.

The tide began to turn after the break as the big forwards for Binalong began to struggle in the warm conditions.

On the back of consecutive penalties Boorowa began to press the Binalong line with Josh Carmody scampering over from close range which Burns converted to make it 12-8 to Boorowa.

Binalong then coughed up the ball in the Boorowa half and after conceding two more penalties, the tiring defence was no match for the rampaging Murray Armour who crashed over to put Boorowa further ahead at 18-8 with a Stephen Death conversion.

On the stroke of halftime, Anthony Crowe crossed for the Rovers after some great lead up work. Death converted and Boorowa took a very handy 24-8 lead into the halftime break.

The second half began in similar fashion to the first with Binalong having a glut of possession.

The Brahmans charged relentlessly at the Rovers defence which held firm. An inspired run and try by Binalong second rower James Blair saw Binalong reduce the lead to 24-14.

Binalong seemed to be rejuvenated before the try of the day by the Rovers sucked the life out of a tiring Binalong team.

On the stroke of the drinks break, Steven Death put up a well weighted kick for the flying Justin Corkery to regather and offload a pass to Death for a great Rovers try.

Andrew Burns than produced a conversion attempt that will go in the end of season bloopers and the score stayed at 28-14.

In the final stanza it was evident that both teams were looking forward to after match drinks as the heat really tested the fitness of both teams.

The diminutive Josh Carmody took full advantage of the exhausted Binalong defence to score his second try taking the score to 34-14.

Binalong had the final say in the game with a converted try right on full time for a final score line of 34-20.

There were positive signs from both teams and under the unusually hot conditions both teams appeared to have done plenty of preseason fitness work.

For the Rovers there were plenty of good players across the park. In the backs, Steven Death looked at home in the halfback role and was well supported by Daniel Roberts in the No.6 jersey.

Mick Hinds was solid at fullback whilst on the wing Blake Anderson took plenty of high balls from the Binalong kickers.

In the forwards, Andrew Burns looked strong as always, whilst new recruit Aaron Burgess looked impressive. Alex Stewart added plenty of fire up front and Tom Carnell made plenty of valuable meters.

For the Rovers, Josh Carmody had an outstanding game to earn three points. Steven Death who directed traffic all day from halfback picked up two points and Andrew Burns picked up from where he left off from last year to earn one point.

Player’s player went to Josh Carmody emphasising the huge role he played in the match.

Meanwhile the Roverettes got off to the best possible start to a season when they scored from the kick off through fullback Amanda Noakes.

She converted her own try for a 6-0 lead and it was the beginning of one way traffic all day. Six minutes later they were in again through a try to Kiara Shean to make it 10-0.

Just three minutes later Jess Hoare scored her first try of the new season for a 14-0 lead to the Roverettes.

Molly Stephens then showed a clean pair of heels to scoot 50 meters and score. The successful conversion by new recruit Georgia Murray blew the score out to 20-0.

A second try to Amanda Noakes, followed by one to Mackella Pye saw the Roverettes go to a well earned half time break leading 30-0.

It could have been a cricket score to the Roverettes, but to their credit, the Binalong Jersey girls played with plenty of grit in the second stanza to limit the damage.

The second half was eleven minutes old before Boorowa crossed the stripe with a third try to Amanda Noakes for a 36-0 lead.

Binalong then launched its best attacking chance of the game with Teagan King almost crossing the line, however Boorowa were determined to keep a clean sheet and denied Binalong a try.

With two minutes left, Mackella Pye picked up her second try and a fourth try to Amanda Noakes right on full time put the icing on a 46-0 win. There was plenty to like about the Roverettes victory and no doubt with even further improvement in coming weeks, they will be a force again this season.

For the Roverettes, Amanda Noakes picked up the 3 points, Jamie Stephenson got 2 points for a great game whilst Danni Gilbert picked up a well earned point. Player’s player went to Jessie Abnett for a top performance.

This weekend the teams have their first home game of the season against the UC Grizzlies.

The Rovers will go into the match knowing they beat the Grizzlies three weeks ago in the Chris Turner Memorial shield however that was a trial and the Grizzlies will be keen to make amends.

Meanwhile the Roverettes will be looking to make it two from two, however they suffered a defeat at the hands of the Grizzlies three weeks ago. The Roverettes have worked hard since that game and will be keen to make amends.

Meanwhile the combined Boorowa/Harden youth league team, who had a bye last week, will get their campaign underway when they take on the Yass Magpies at Walker Park on Saturday at 11.00. This team is a great concept for both towns so let’s get right behind the boys in the coming season.

It should be noted that due to the Boorowa Goldies rugby team also using the ground this Saturday, the league matches will have a much earlier start.

The Roverettes will have a noon kick off with the Rovers starting at 1.15 pm. Be sure to get there early and get a great vantage point.

And with the warmish conditions expected to continue before hopefully a shower or two, there will be plenty of refreshments on hand for patrons. See you at the ground for a massive day of league action.

-Sandboy