KOOTINGAL wrapped up the Second Division minor premiership convincingly defeating reigning premiers Barraba at Barraba on Saturday.
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The Roosters won 39-10 to sew up the minor premiership with a home game against Walcha Roos this Saturday before the finals series as wet conditions hampered all three Round 17 games.
Barraba Bulldogs play Dungowan in this Saturday’s final round and the first week of the semis after the Cowboys beat a determined 13 man Werris Creek and Bendemeer finished their season on a high in Manilla as wet conditions hampered all three games.
A very clinical game in Barraba saw Kooty’s unbeaten season continue with just one round to go in the regular season.
The Roosters took the premiers apart in one of their most complete games this season.
Kooty were brutal when they needed to be and classy on the edge with Ben Williams taking the ref’s three points and also picking up two tries.
A halftime lead of 14-4 blew out with three tries scored in one five minute period crushing the hosts.
Despite the rain, the Roosters played their usual game in the second half spreading the ball wide and picking up several tries from inside their own half.
The match was highlighted by big hits and dropped ball.
The Bulldogs were their own worst enemy at times, consistently handing Kooty repeat sets.
Kootingal will play Walcha next week before enjoying a weekend off while Barraba and Dungowan go head to head twice in a row.
The Cowboys and Bulldogs have a lot riding on next weeks clash in Barraba as the winner will host the loser in the first final the following week. Dungowan might have been lucky Creek only turned up with the bare 13 players after a 32-24 victory.
Cowboys president Bruce Henry saying that the Magpies 80 minute effort was the gutsiest effort he has ever witnessed in rugby league.
“They were outstanding for 13 blokes,” Henry said.
“Thomas Brown and Tim Fenwicke didn’t slow down all game in the front row.”
The Cowboys were too good for them with Mitch Brown scoring two and Brock Morgan kicking six goals.
Halfback Matt Wilson once again led the way with Scott Henry and Shae Collins also starring.
At Manilla Bendy Centre Bruce Murray scored three to sign off Jake Reid’s first season with a 38-26 win over the Tigers.
We started with a loss and finished with a win,” a philosophical Reid said.
“A few people have shown a lot of commitment to run this club this season and it is good to get a win for them.”
The coach believes his side under achieved this season for the roster they had.
“We had a good side,” Reid said.
“We weren’t far off, but far enough off.”
Peter Gardner and Harlee Millgate were the other standouts in the Mountain Men’s fourth and final win for the season.
It was also Manilla’s final game with both sides having the bye next week.
An off field incident and the dissolution of the entire committee early in the year spelled disaster for the Tigers who went on to complete a winless season.