After playing a brilliant first half of rugby league last Saturday, the Boorowa Rovers survived a massive second half scare to tame the Bungendore Tigers and further enhance their claims to be a real premiership contender.
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Boorowa played a near faultless first stanza to set up a commanding 16-0 lead before scraping home 26-22 after trailing deep into the second half.
It was a character building win for the locals who had to overcome a couple of injuries to star forwards Jack Thom and Alex Stewart along the way to victory.
Boorowa began the first half launching multiple attacking raids on the Bungendore line forcing the Tigers to drop out on three occasions.
It was only a matter of time until the Tigers cracked when the super sub Ben Potts crashed over for a Boorowa try after ten minutes.
Just five minutes later, Ben ploughed his way over again to set up a 12-0 lead to the Rovers after just 15 minutes.
The Rovers defence was just as effective, particularly by the outside backs Nick Stephens, Brady Halls and Trent Crawford.
Boorowa went further ahead when Brady Halls scored out wide for a 16-0 score line at the half.
The second half saw Bungendore slowly inch their way back into the contest.
They had to score first and did so in the seventh minute to bring the margin back to ten points at 16-6.
Boorowa nullified the Tigers try with one of their own through winger Blake Anderson and at 20-6 with 20 minutes left, the Rovers almost looked home.
However three tries in just seven minutes shell-shocked the local crowd and all of a sudden, Boorowa trailed by 20-22.
Two of the tries were the result of some wicked bounces from kicks which will no doubt be a well discussed subject at training this week.
With just three minutes left, Boorowa launched another attacking raid that saw halfback Jayden Cutting scoot across for the Rovers to re-take the lead 26-22.
The Tigers tried desperately score in the dying seconds but the Boorowa defence held firm for a crucial victory.
For the Rovers, Jayden Cutting was outstanding at halfback directing traffic like a five star general and continually turning Bungendore around with a solid kicking game.
He got three points and the players player award.
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Jack Thom got two points and was very impressive before injury took its toll whilst Ben Potts and Josh Carmody got one point each.
It was a tremendous team effort and one that was surely noted by the other Premiership heavy weights Harden and North Canberra who face the Rovers in coming weeks.
Boorowa did suffer some worrying injuries, the worst of which was a suspected broken arm to Alex Stewart.
However, the injury was not as bad as first thought with Alex hopefully back on deck before the semi finals.
In other George Tooke Shield games, North Canberra 14 beat Harden 10, Crookwell 54 defeated Boomanulla 4 and Gunning won on forfeit from UC Grizzlies. Binalong had the bye.
The Roverettes were gallant in going down against Bungendore by 26-10, having a number of players out of the line up.
Bungendore took an early 12-0 lead before Lucy woods scored for the home team to make it 12-4.
Then just two minutes from oranges, Mackella Pye raced over to score and make the halftime score 12-10 with the match well and truly in the balance.
After the break, Boorowa had the worst possible start conceding a try in the first minute but at 16-10 the game wasn't out of reach.
However in the final quarter of the game, weight of numbers and some tired legs took their toll on the Roverettes conceding two late tries for a 26-10 final score.
It certainly wasn't from lack of effort that the girls went down and they could be extremely proud of their efforts.
In the only other league tag game, Harden 22 beat North Canberra 0.
This week will see both senior teams venture down to Crookwell for Sunday afternoon encounters.
The Roverettes will take on the She-Devils at 12.45 whilst the Rovers will play a desperate Crookwell Green Devils team at 2pm.
In other matches this weekend, Binalong host Gunning, Boomanulla are at home to North Canberra whilst another big clash looms between Bungendore and the Harden Hawks. UC Grizzlies have the bye.
For the Boorowa teams the equation is simple, keep winning.
The Rovers are assured of a semi final birth no matter what happens in the final four rounds.
However should they continue their good form, a top three position and a double chance in the finals series beckons.
For the Roverettes, any further slips could be fatal.
They are still a chance of playing semi finals but will need to win this weekend to keep their hopes alive.
Meantime the under 16's competition will resume this weekend but the local lads will get another week off courtesy of the bye.
See you all at sunny Crookwell this Sunday for all your local league action.
