Bulldogs bite down on rivals following perfect start

The Cootamundra Bulldogs have hit the ground running in 2024, winning their opening two games of the Blumers Lawyers George Tooke Shield.

Led by new coach and club stalwart David Buttriss, the Doggies made a statement in Round One when travelling to Canberra and defeating the UC Stars 52-14 at Raiders Belconnen.

In their most significant result in recent seasons, Cootamundra signaled their intent, dismantling Grand Finalists Crookwell 32-nil at Les Boyd Oval on Saturday.

Returning home, Jacob Maher was a standout in the playmaking role, and he crossed for a double, while Joe Ward, James Patterson, and Jordyn Ballard scored in the dominant victory.

“It was really good,” Buttriss said. 

“We hadn’t played Crookwell in Coota for a couple of years, and it was good to have them come to us; putting on that scoreline was really good.”

It can be easy to get carried away after a couple of big scores, and Buttriss said a well-rounded group wasn’t getting ahead of themselves.

“It’s been a bit of a mixed bag and good team efforts,” Buttriss said.

“A few boys that performed well in round one, and a few others then stepped up in round two, which is a good thing.

“The thing is, everyone wants to be there, and everyone is keen.

“Still, it’s only round two, and we don’t want to get ahead of ourselves, but we’re happy with how we are going.”

Since joining the competition in 2021 from Group 9, Cootamundra’s tackle side has yet to make its mark in the George Tooke Shield.

The Bulldogs even missed finals in 2023, but Buttriss said a youthfully exuberant outfit was complemented by a well-oiled committee and supportive community.

In fact, the club has been firing on all cylinders, with the Bullettes league tag side second on the GTS ladder after a 42-nil win over the UC Stars and an impressive 28-4 victory over the She Devils.

In the Group 9 competition, the Bulldogs under-16s and under-18s teams are unbeaten in the Sullivan and Weissel Cup competitions, respectively.

“The vibe is really good around the club,” Buttriss said.

“It’s not only us, but our 16s, 18s, and league tag have all won their games as well, and from the committee down, everyone is really happy.”

One of the biggest rivalries in country rugby league is between Cootamundra and Harden, and on Saturday, the Bulldogs and Bullettes travel to McLean Oval with their tails up.

In the men’s tackle contest, the Bulldogs take on the Hawks, who struggled in Round One when going down to Bungendore 50-nil.

After the Stars forfeited to them in Round Three, Harden will be out to make a statement in Round Three.

“I can’t wait, and I know the boys are keen,” Buttriss said.

“We haven’t beaten Harden since we’ve come into the George Tooke Shield, so this weekend is massive for us, and we’re looking forward to it.”

The league tag match can potentially be the match of the round.

The Bullettes inflicted a rare defeat on the Hawkettes during the 2023 regular season before Harden bounced back in the Grand Final and defeated Cootamundra 10-nil.

The two sides have scored big wins in the opening rounds, and it’s sure to be another thriller.

Binalong continue winning ways

The Binalong Brahmans also won well in Round Two of the Blumers Lawyers George Tooke Shield, defeating North Canberra 46-4 at Binalong Recreation Oval.

In the surprise result of the round, Bungendore kicked on from their 50-nil thrashing of Harden in Round One, inflicting another significant loss, this time beating reigning premiers Boorowa 46-nil at Boorowa Showground.

Click here for Blumers Lawyers George Tooke Shield men’s tackle results, ladders, and draws.

Roverettes bounce back

Following a Round One loss to North Canberra 18-12, the Boorowa Roverettes bounced back in Round Two of the Blumers Lawyers George Tooke Shield league tag competition, defeating Bungendore 44-nil.

It was the Mackella Pye show as the playmaker crossed four times while Sarah Dwyer added a double.

The Harden Hawkettes scored a second consecutive big win, defeating the visiting UC Stars 50-nil at McLean Oval.

Georgia Smith was at her dangerous best when scoring a hat-trick of tries, as was talented winger Jasmine Chesworth, who crossed for a treble.

Binalong and North Canberra couldn’t be split in a contest for the ages, with the Brahmans held to a 12-all draw by the Bears at Binalong Recreation Oval.

Click here for Blumers Lawyers George Tooke Shield men’s tackle results, ladders, and draws.