The Cobar Roosters Under 18s turned up at Coolah’s Bowen Oval early on Saturday morning ready to take on their Binnaway opposition.
Coach Paul Sullivan said there had been plans by the council to close the grounds after 17mm had fallen overnight.
“The field was already drenched when we got there,” Sullivan said.
But as the Cobar Juniors side had already arrived (and their League Tag and First Grade sides were already well on the road to Coolah), a decision was made for the games to still go ahead.
Sullivan said the match, which Cobar eventually won 24-12, was a slog-fest.
“It was really wet and it was a hard, rough, slow game.”
He said it was a match where his forwards Joe Webster and Jamal Eves really stood up to help the team to the win.
“They just tackled, and tackled and tackled all game,” Sullivan said.
The Roosters got out to a good lead and went into the half time break 20-6 ahead.
The game got a bit heated in the second half, but to the Roosters’ credit they quickly settled down and returned their focus to the game.
“We only scored one try in the second half and they also scored a converted try but we finished well,” Sullivan said.
Reece Josephson touched down for two tries in the Roosters win with Charlie Crotty, Kai Taylor and Jayden Paul also crossing for tries.
Tadgh McMullen kicked two goals.
Eves was voted their Players’ Player.
Best & Fairest points were earned by Webster (3), Eves (2) and Crotty (1).
Sullivan said Crotty was another player who had a great game on Saturday.
“Charlie’s improved out of sight this season.
“He’s matured in his footy and his level head and good communication on the field on Saturday helped the team to the win,” Sullivan said.
“The boys have put in a great effort this season. I’m really proud of them,” Sullivan said.
“They’ve played 10 games and won nine and they’ve only had two home games all season.
“We’ve had a bad draw this season.
“With all the travelling they’ve done, all those early starts, it’s a real credit to them to get to where they are and finish the season at the top of the table.
“Did I say I was really proud of them?”
