DUNGOWAN Cowboys roped in a self- destructing Bendemeer to win their Group 4 Shield Second Division second-round match 38-20 under the gloomy Tamworth Rugby Park lights on Thursday night.
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While the candle power was dim, Dungowan’s tryscoring ability was bright as little hooker Lachlan Collins sparked the Cowboys with some brilliant dummy half runs.
Down 4-nil after Bruce Murray’s try wide out had promised much for the Bendy Mountain Men, the Cowboys rallied to lead 10-8 at halftime and then dominate much of the second half, leading 26-8 at one stage and then seeing off a late rally from the Mountain Men with late tries from lanky winger Dylan O’Brien and replacement back Beau Ryan.
Cowboys captain-coach Luke Taylor was away and that left Paul Boyce to run the side and he was delighted with the win.
“It was a great win,” Boyce said.
“We started off a bit shaky.
“We missed Luke’s kicking game.”
And the poor lighting helped increase handling problems for both sides.
“Matty (Wilson) led the boys well,” Boyce added.
“I was very impressed with our front row – Ben (Tongue), Justin (Fox) and Scotty (Henry).
“Lachie Collins was great.
“He created a lot of options.”
While Collins provided the spark around the rucks, Clint Ridley also scored two good tries in the centres.
Dylan O’Brien’s outstanding try also highlighted his emerging talents.
“I was very happy with their efforts,” Boyce said.
Bendemeer coach Jake Reid lamented his side’s mistake rate.
“We were hot and cold,” Reid shrugged.
“We’ve got the nucleus of a good side. It’s just a matter of trying to mould them together.”
Bendy showed glimpses of premiership- winning form with some slick attacking moves.
Centre Bruce Murray scored two good tries, the second of which came after five-eighth Harlee Milgate’s incisive run and backhanded flick pass.
Mitch Porter also scored a stunning long- range try in the second half while winger Peter Gardner made some punishing runs.
Dungowan Cowgirls gave the club a good start to the night with a 20-16 win over Bendemeer in their Ladies League Tag match.
Meanwhile the Group 4 Second Division continues today in Werris Creek and Walcha.
At Walcha’s Captain Cook Park, the home Roos host the Boggabri Roos while Werris Creek Magpies are at home to Manilla Tigers.
The Magpies were without Thomas Brown at the Wests Knockout and will have new signing Tim Fenwicke on board against a side captain-coached by Chris Vidler.