Season 2019 took yet another twist on the weekend with the Crookwell boys recording a sizeable win against the Yass Rams. The Dogs walked off the Memorial Oval after recording a seven try, forty-seven point to zero win against the team from Yass.
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A precedent was set for Crookwell's defence with the very first tackle of the match. A slick Yass backline movement saw the ball reach the talented Yass outside-centre. Moments after receiving the ball the human sack of spanners that is Mitchell "Gooba" Horton sent his much larger opposite number backwards and off his feet. This dominant defensive performance continued throughout the match. Horton's defence was key to shutting down the Yass ball movement and contributed highly to the eventual zero scoreline.
Despite carrying several key injuries including captain Ben Seaman and outside-centre Will Croker the Dogs went into this vital home game with a full bench and the luxury of being able to rest players. This was due largely to the comebacks of both Scott Kensit and Nick Toole. Both players came off the bench to contribute significantly in the later period of the game.
A highlight of the weekend's performance was the leadership of James Croker. Jimmy has Crookwell Dog in his blood and on the weekend his undoubted rugby determination was coupled with a lead- from-the-front attitude which buoyed his teammates and contributed greatly to the eventual result.
In a season where for and against points will probably have a great impact on the eventual semi-final participants, a zero-score line meant more to the players and management of the Dogs than any points scored over and above the earning of a bonus point.
After ten rounds, only one win separates second place through to fifth place in the Monaro competition. The Dogs' run home is a tough one. More victories like this weekend would be brilliant.
Crookwell Dogs 47 (Aaron Leighton 2, Danny Knight, Mitchell Horton, Liam Jones, Ben Elliott, Sam Elliott tries) Liam Jones 6 conversions) Yass Rams 0.
Best and Fairest - 3 Mitchell Horton, 2 Will Mooney, 1 Jimmy Rowlands.
Players Player - Will Mooney
Chicks Pick - Bruce "The Legs" Nixon
Next weekend the Dogs are at home again with the return match against the Jindabyne Bushpigs.
The Dogs were able to get over the Jindabyne side in a strong Alpine performance earlier in the season. A win at home will see the Dogs leapfrog the Bushpigs into second place behind Taralga. The Dogs will be putting their best paw forward next weekend.