The 2019 Dogs side resembles little of the 2018 team, with more than half the team debuting this season. Coach Nixon knows it will take some time for these combinations to gel, but he is confident that the future is bright for Crookwell Rugby.

Young back rower Will Mooney showed his potential with a magnificent performance. Nearing veteran status didn't stop James Croker also showing that he owns his position on the flank for the Dogs.

The Dogs nine points all came from the boot of flyhalf Liam Jones. In the two games this season Jones has owned the number ten jumper, and along with scrumhalf Aaron Leighton, is well on the way to developing the spine that the dogs will need to build on for the 2019 season.

Best and fairest points went the way of Will Mooney, at a tender age this young guy is the kind of talent you can build a team around. James Croker got two points and Ben Elliott got one.

This weekend the Dogs tackle the strong Taralga Tigers outfit. This match has got history all over it and will be one of at least three times the sides will meet this year. Initial stakes must be claimed as to who is the true favourites in the competition. It has been a long time since neither were represented in the Grand Final.

Commiserations on a narrow defeat Dogs, but all the best for next week and the 2019 season.