Not only were the players anticipating the home match opener, they also were determined to leave a unforgettable impression on competition newcomers Gungahlin Eagles.

With a healthy number of reserves, Coach Nixon had many, yet successful compromises to make.

Both teams approached the match with a collective attitude, with Crookwell finding its strength using the backs with wide ball.

It wasn’t long until season debutante Wil Croker made a line-break, which allowed winger Tom Worman to cross the line 12 minutes in.

Several minutes later the Dogs had Gungahlin’s forwards switching off on their try-line with a turnover at the breakdown, which resulted in a penalty.

Halfback Angus Hedges took an opportunity off the 10-metre scrum option and headed straight over the try-line. The scoreboard continued to tick over with great hustle from the backs with tries by Neil Seaman and Andrew Garvey.

However, possession did not come easy leading into half-time with the Eagles forwards hustling together to get first points on the board. Half-time saw Crookwell leading 31-7.

Gungahlin continued to build pressure in the second half scoring two quick tries to put them back in the contest, 19-31. It was a wake-up call for Crookwell, who increased their discipline in defence, with possession 50-50 and ball work mostly in the middle of the pitch.

A red card to the Eagles fired up Aaron ‘Red Dog’ Leighton, which resulted in his teammates mauling him over the line in the 60th minute. With the strong crowd behind the home side, Gungahlin’s chances of victory slipped away with two more tries finalising the score at 50-19.

The season opener was made possible by loyal match day sponsor, Crookwell Financial Services. Best and fairest points went to Ben Seaman, Charlie Zouch, Robbie Cosgrove and Steven Croker. Player’s Player went to Crookwell rookie Ben Seaman.

The Dogs feel optimistic leading into this weekend’s local derby against Taralga at home and look forward to seeing many supporters there to howl them on in this forever fierce contest!