THE Crookwell Pups Under 12's came out with all guns blazing on Friday night against rivals the Fizzy Reds with a crushing 44-12 victory. The last time these teams met, it was a close 22-15 win to the Reds. After beating Braidwood quite convincingly in Crookwell in their last game, the boys were very confident and started the game that way putting the Reds under pressure from the kick off. This led to a Paddy Lowe darting try, which he ran in under the posts. The Pups had a little trouble with ball retention and with slow clean outs in the first half. The Reds pilfered a lot of ball, but handling errors crippled them. More pressure on the Reds line saw Sam Spackman crash over the line for a great try. The first half finished with a great team try to Harry Hayes who ran past two or three defenders to dive over the line. After a bit of a talking too at halftime about ball retention and better tackling, the Pups started off the second half with a great try to Paddy Lowe who once again proved elusive and ran it under the posts. The tackling and clean out improved immensely as Harry Hayes once again stepped his way over the line. Some fantastic side stepping all game by Jake Rudd seen him duck and weave his way over the try line. Jake’s quickstep also led to the Pups next try, when he darted his way past three or four defenders and had the ball knocked from his hands, some quick thinking and a cheeky little chip kick and regather from Jack Page saw him over the line for his try. A final try to Paddy seen him get his hat trick and secure the win. Strong running from Jay Cunningham and Richie Branson had them gaining good metres. Liam Croke, Lachie Evans and Tyson Allwright continue to impress every week with their defence and good, solid running. A big mention to Rylee Croke, who is really fitting into his role in the second row, and who took a great pass from Jack Page off a quick tap and hit the ball up like a Super Rugby player, stepping defenders and busting over the advantage line. Awards this week went to Jake Rudd, Rylee Croke, Richie Branson and Jay Cunningham.

Under 10’s

The Pups played against the Reds in Goulburn. The Crookwell Pups started the game slowly with the Reds showing exhilarating speed to score the first three tries of the game to lead 15 – nil in the blink of an eye.

The pups needed to be next to score and Sam Minehan provided a try by a good solo run. The teams then traded tries with Sam Minehan scoring his double before the halftime break finishing off a fine team attacking try. Josh Evans converted the goal.  The halftime score saw the Crookwell Pups down by 27 to 12.

In the second half, the third Pups try of the game was scored by Charlie Hayes with a swerving run through the opposition. Joshua Thorn provided some strong last gasp defence with one try saving tackle putting his opponent over the sideline. Matthew Seaman was like a terrier fighting for the ball at the breakdown and winning possession with strong defence. Matthew was rewarded with a try of his own through sheer persistence. Josh Evans again supplied a great conversion kick.

The Reds also showed great long range strike power to score two length of the field tries when the Pups looked likely to score, these tries prevented the Pups fight back.

Josh Evans never stopped trying and supplied strong defence and attack, Emma Page made a couple of incisive runs of the ball, Kyle and Logan Croke tried hard at the ruck to get possession for the team.

Matthew Seaman scored the Pups final try which was a team effort. Charlie Hayes goal kick was successful. Matthew Seaman was the deserved man of the match for the Pups.

The final score was a 46 to 31 loss by the Pups (with 8 tries to 5 scored). The Crookwell Pups slow start cost them dearly but they show great character and team spirit to fight back in the second half. Bad luck Pups, lets train harder this week.