KOOTINGAL Roosters might have been out of contention for a Group 4 Second Division Shield semi final berth but the Dungowan Cowboys had to fight hard to win a tough and tense match 28-14 at Kootingal Oval on Saturday.
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With the Roosters playing in their special red and yellow “chopper strip” in aid of their annual charity day for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service the home side led 14-12 at half time and could have easily upset the Cowboys. In the end the Cowboys rode home on the back of some smart play from Matt Wilson, Clint Ridley, two-try centre Mitch Brown and prop Mark Macauley.
Nathan Hamlin, Jordan Sharpe and Leroy Murray led the way for the Roosters, who had the Cowboys on the back foot for a lot of the first half.
“They had a fair dinkum crack,” Roosters coach Paul Hyson said.
“It was a big effort. It was all about the Chopper today and playing for pride. In the end we nearly got the result. Their boys would be a bit bruised after that.”
Cowboys coach Luke Taylor said his side always knew they faced a traditionally tough rival.
“Derby games between Dungowan and Kooty , Norths and Wests are all the same. Doesn’t matter where you are on the table,” he said.
“We didn’t start too well but the boys composed themselves in the second half.”
