Crookwell Dogs comfortably defeat the Taralga Tigers to start season with win

Not even having three players sent to the sin bin could prevent the Dogs from winning their round two Second Division South Coast Monaro match at Crookwell Memorial Oval on Saturday, April 9.

The Dogs were completely dominant in the first half and raced out to a massive lead, but despite a mini comeback from the away side late in the second half, they held on to win 44-17.

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Crookwell Dogs coach Bruce Nixon was understandably delighted with the first half, but wasn't too worried with his side's drop in level in the second.

"The first half was as good as we've played for a while," Nixon said.

"We swapped a few players around in the second half and got a little disjointed, but you have to give credit to Taralga who had a crack."

Although Nixon spoke highly of the Dogs' performance, he said there were still things to work on.

"We had some problems with our structure, but I think that was because we put some players in who hadn't really played a lot of football."

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Nixon wasn't phased by the sin bin incidents and was glad his players stood their ground and worked harder when three men down.

Tigers player coach Will Hedley, on the other hand, knew his side would have their backs against the wall as they lost five players in the morning due to COVID.

Hedley wasn't too concerned with the result though.

"It's hard to play your best football when you aren't at full strength," Hedley said.

"The Dogs were a tough side though and deserved to win.

"We just need a bit more fitness into our players, get training and we'll be right."

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Samuel Elliott starred for the Dogs with three tries while Hedley managed to cross the line in comedic fashion as he was winded seconds before scoring.

"I was bludging on the wing and sucking in the big ones," Hedley said.

"I was knackered and lucky to get back onside.

"In the end, I only had to fall across the line."

The Dogs next play the Hall Bushrangers at the Hall Sportsground from 2.30pm on Saturday, April 23 while the Tigers take on the Braidwood Redbacks at the Braidwood Recreation Ground at the same time and day.

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