The Boorowa Rovers hopes of a top five birth became that little bit tougher as they went down to the Bungendore Tigers in what could only be described as atrocious conditions last Saturday at the Showground.
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With three main games plus the junior league, the ground was tough going by the final whistle in the Rovers contest with the Tigers.
Boorowa went down by 36-12 in the George Tooke Shield, but the scoreboard didn't really reflect the effort the side put in.
In the league Tag, Boorowa defeated Bungendore by 12-0 while the local Harden/Boorowa U19's won over Queanbeyan Blues 14-4.
The Rovers got off to the worst possible start with the Tigers crashing over just three minutes in, to lead 6-0.
Bungendore scored two more unanswered tries to lead 18-0 mid way through the half before Rover's center, Mick Hinds scored and converted his own try to pull the score back to 18-6.
The Tigers were quick to answer with their fourth try and had a 22-6 lead at the break.
The second half saw both sides really beginning to struggle to maintain possession in the wet conditions but mid-way through the half, Bungendore raced in three quick tries to put the result beyond doubt 36-6.
Mick Hinds scored his second try late in the game to make the final score 36-12.
Whilst the Rovers certainly tried hard, it was Bungendore who managed to complete their sets better in the wet. Boorowa at times looked ok in attack, but just fell short in executing their plays with too many errors.
Plenty of players put in good efforts but none better than 'Mr Versatile', Trent Crawford who is relishing his role in the forwards.
He picked up three points and the Player's Player.
Mick Hinds was a standout in the backline picking up two points whilst Ned Evans and Murray Armour picked up a point each, challenging the Bungendore forwards all day.
The loss means that the Rovers probably need to win at least four of their last five matches to sneak into the semis and it all must start this week against Binalong in Binalong.
In other games, UC Stars 18 beat Boomanulla 16, Cootamundra 14 beat Crookwell 6 and North Canberra Bears 22 defeated Harden 6.
Binalong had the bye due to Burrangong now withdrawing from the competition.
Meanwhile in the League Tag, the Roverettes got straight back into the winner's circle as they ground out a hard fought 12-0 win over Bungendore.
The side seemed to handle the wet conditions well and after nine minutes Grace Barker crossed to make it 4-0.
Both sides were resilient in defence with the scoreline remaining unchanged for most of the match.
With just six minutes left Mackella Pye left her mark on the contest with a try and an 8-0 lead, before she finished the job with a second runaway try on the stroke of fulltime and a final scoreline of 12-0.
It was a great team effort, particularly in defence which has been the basis of their success so far this year.
For Boorowa Imogen Pye was outstanding getting three points, Mackella Pye got two points and the Player's Player.
Marlie McIntosh was again great picking up one point.
The win means the side has all but sealed a semi final spot and are in a great position to secure third spot and the double chance in the finals.
At worst they, only have to win two games to secure their finals birth.
In other league tag games Gunning 8 defeated UC Stars 0, Harden 14 beat North Canberra 0 and Cootamundra 20 defeated Crookwell 16.
Probably the most impressive victory of the day was the Harden/Boorowa U19's who pulled off the upset of the year in defeating the Queanbeyan Blues by 14-4.
What makes this victory remarkable is that in round one of the season, Queanbeyan beat Harden/Boorowa by a massive 70-4.
The win keeps the chances of playing semis alive.
They travel to Crookwell which is never an easy game in July, but it is a game they certainly can win.
This week's other games in the George Tooke Shield sees Bungendore hosting Boomanulla, North Canberra against Cootamundra and Crookwell taking on Harden.
Boorowa will be hoping Crookwell, who have been playing well recently, can spring an upset over Harden leaving the top five door ajar.
With the semi finals on the horizon, all local teams are still in the hunt to play in the post season big games so why not go and support your local teams and see bush rugby league at its best.