The Boorowa Rovers started the 2019 league season in the best possible way scoring a convincing win over the UC Grizzlies by 40-0 at the new look Boorowa Showground.
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The day saw both teams play for the Chris Turner Memorial Shield with all gate takings going towards the Beyond Blue Foundation.
Boorowa has now retained the Shield for the third straight season and gained two valuable early competition points.
With two new coaches and several new players, it was evident that Boorowa had worked hard in the off season with their defence the most pleasing aspect of the day.
Whilst at times, both teams were a little dusty with their handling, Boorowa looked to have some good combinations already taking shape.
The match was ten minutes old when Rovers halfback Jayden Cutting scored the first try of the new season and give the locals a 6-0 lead.
Just five minutes later, fullback Jack Hinds steamed onto a ball from a rehearsed move to put the Rovers further ahead by 12-0.
The Grizzlies were still in the game at halftime with the score remaining 12-0 at the break. However, the Canberra boys didn't appear to have the weapons to breach the Boorowa defence.
Jayden Cutting crossed for his second just eight minutes into the second half for an 18-0 lead.
The flood gates began to open with four more tries in the final twenty minutes blowing the score out to 40-0.
Connor Blake, Mark Veness and Aaron Burgess all crossed whilst Jack Hinds sealed the deal with his second of the afternoon
Boorowa 40 (J. Cutting 2, J. Hinds 2, C. Blake, M. Veness and A. Burgess tries; A. Burns 5 and J. Carmody goals) defeated UC Grizzlies 0.
The three points and man of the match went to Jayden Cutting with an outstanding display at halfback.
Alex Stewart led by example in the forwards to pick up two points whilst Aaron Burgess made a welcome return to Rovers colours to pick up the one point. Player's player went to Jayden Cutting.
Encouraging signs for Roverettes despite loss
The ladies League Tag game saw the UC Grizzlies run out winners by 20-8 over the Roverettes in a game that was much closer than the final score line.
The first half was a battle of the defences with Boorowa posting the only try through Mackella Pye to lead 4-0 at the break.
The Grizzlies scored two unconverted tries early in the second stanza to lead 8-4 before Amanda Noakes scored a 50 metre try to level the scores at 8-All.
With six minutes left, the visitors took the lead back with a converted try before scoring the match winner right on the bell for a 20-8 victory.
Despite the loss, the signs were encouraging for the Roverettes who have had significant injuries to several players before the competition started.
They are a new look outfit who will continue to improve in the coming weeks.
New coach Graham Murray was impressed by what he saw on Saturday and is now looking forward to his Saturday's clash with Gunning.
Three points went to Lucy Woods for an outstanding game.
Amanda Noakes picked up two points whilst one point went to Charley Rolleston-Collier. The Player's player award was a tie between Lucy Woods and Amanda Noakes.
UC Grizzlies 20 defeated Boorowa Roverettes 8 (M. Pye and A. Noakes tries).
Meantime the combined Harden/Boorowa U19's also got their season off to a winning start last Sunday when they convincingly beat the Tuggeranong Bush Rangers by 32-14 sounding a stern warning to the Canberra teams that they mean business in 2019.
This week they have another tough away assignment against the Queanbeyan Blues on Saturday at 11.30am at Seiffert oval in Queanbeyan.
In other George Tooke games, Binalong 34 beat Boomanulla 12, Harden 66 thrashed Gunning 4 and Bungendore 16 edged out Crookwell 14. Noah Canberra had the bye.
In other league tag games Crookwell 20 beat Bungendore 4, Harden 62 beat Gunning 0 whilst North Canberra and Binalong had byes.
This weekend sees both teams at home again on Saturday against Gunning. The Roverettes will kick off at 1.15pm whilst the Rovers take to the field at 2.30pm.
On last week's form, the Rovers will start firm favourites against the Roos, but Gunning always lift for this encounter and can't be taken lightly.
The Roverettes should also start slightly ahead of Gunning in the betting and provided they can continue to show the enthusiasm of last week, they should come away with the points.
This round is also our Sponsors day and as such all the sponsors of the Rovers and Roverettes are invited to complimentary drinks and nibbles in the function area of The Clubhouse.
The Rugby League cannot survive without the generous sponsors behind the teams, so please come along and enjoy the hospitality and a great day's rugby league.
The Rovers and Roverettes also acknowledge the Rugby Club supporters who contributed to the Beyond Blue day at the gate last Saturday.
They also had a good first up win. It's always good to see successful Boorowa teams no matter what the code.
If you can't wait until Saturday for your league fix, then get up to the Boorowa Showground tomorrow night, Friday at 6.30pm where the combined Boorowa/Harden side will be in action against West Belconnen.
Entry is free so why not kick start your weekend and support the boys. Friday night footy under lights in Boorowa is a rare event and one not to be missed. See you at the Showground.