In the first 20 minutes of a match played in freezing conditions – albeit temperatures the boys are not unfamiliar with – Crookwell broke down the Boorowa side.

While running and kicking into a 50-kilometre-per-hour head wind, the Dogs were able to cross for two early tries. This advantage came from brilliant support play, led by the front three.

Gearin Price, Scott Kensit and Charlie Zouch were at their finest. They were also joined in the engine room for the first time by Edward Price, who was almost equally as devastating at the line.

At half time the lead was 19-12. While nothing was said over oranges, it was known that any lead Crookwell went into the half time break with was worth double, as they turned around and ran with the wind in the second half.

Points were shared for the first sections of the second half. The Dogs were just not able to capitalise on the conditions running their way and put the game totally to bed.

All credit must go to the Boorowa Goldies. They continued to bash and crash the line despite losing crucial players to injury.

The last 10 minutes of the match were probably The Dogs’ finest. Boorowa was organised and unwavering in their assaults on the Doggie line, but the Crookwell defence was equal in its resilience.

When fulltime blew and both teams were able to shelter from the incredibly uncomfortable conditions, the Dogs had secured a six try to two victory and had kept their tryline intact the entire second half.

The entire forward pack was better than previous weeks, as were the backline and as were the replacements. It’s coming together, and while it’s still not totally there, the steps coach Smirk and his troops are taking are positive ones.

The next three weeks see the Dogs with a bye and two home games.

These games are against the Jindabyne Bushpigs and the Taralga Tigers.

These matches will be the Dogs’ biggest tests.

Plans for June 2, the anticipated grand final rematch against the Tigers, are well in place.

Action at Memorial Oval will kick off at 12:45pm, and a fantastic day of rugby and memories is both planned and promised.