A new-look Brahmans showed improvement from their week one loss to Cargo but ultimately fell short of the Rhinos - a side that’s recruited well over the off-season and is tipped for big things in 2016.

The hosts’ 30 point defeat followed a narrow loss by the Jersey Girls league tag team and a second impressive victory by the under 18 Calves.

The latter of those teams kicked-off an afternoon of rugby league with a midday fixture against a severely understrength Manildra side.

The visitors turned-up with only 11 players at their disposal and suffered accordingly.

Dylan Arabin again led his team around well, scoring tries and making breaks. Jack Ponton had a good game and made effective metres, while Dylan Downey was dominant and Will Manwaring provided punch when needed.

Binalong got on the board early with a try to Arabin and added to their lead minutes later when Manildra players allowed the ball to bounce near the posts. The ball flicked up, struck the crossbar and sat up nicely in goal.

The lead was further extended as halftime drew closer. Corey Leggot scored a try that was followed by a front rower’s classic courtesy of Dylan Downey. By halftime, the hosts led 22-0.

The second half was a mixed bag of success. The boys appeared to drop off their game and allowed the Rhinos to score three tries.  

However, the Calves recovered, with Leggot scoring a hat-trick en route to a 42-16 win.

Next up, the Jersey Girls were involved in an arm-wrestle with a well drilled and athletic Manildra side. 

Two early tries by the Rhinos found the Binalong girls down 10-0 after only 12 minutes. Kayla Smith rallied her team for the fight back. Most of play was between the 20 metre lines and Em Banks called the defence up and back. Tash Goode put up a pair of wicked little clearing kicks which their opponents dropped.

Christie Johnson and Jess Abnett made good metres but it was Madeline Miller and Sam Bailey who threw everything at Manildra.

When Tash Goode scored a try wide out, the game was anyone’s for the taking. 

The visitors held on to deny a gutsy Jersey Girls 10-4.

On the strength of their performance at the Grenfell Tens competition last month, the Manildra first grade side would take some handling on Saturday. 

But a much improved Brahmans defence held firm for the one try in the early stages and when Tim Regan replied with a try of his own, the hosts trailed 6-4 just 8 minutes before half time.

There was a core of senior players who, sensing the plight of their club, stepped up to the mark with guts and determination. 

James Blair, Jason Howard, Max Giles and Beau O’Mara fought hammer and tongs with the Rhinos all day. Two quick tries led the players off for oranges with the score 16-4.

At the resumption, Josh Davis dived over in the right corner and the Brahmans were back in the game. 

However, as the match progressed, the home side started to falter and in the 65th and 68th minutes a pair of Manildra tries evaporated any hope the Brahmans may have had.

Hayden Bee provided some direction in play but incurred the wrath of the referee and was sent to the bin for repeated infringements in the 71st minute. 

The Rhinos immediately responded with a try and the score was an unassailable 28-8. 

Beau O’Mara pulled off a very courageous try saver near full time. Isolated and with a heavier runaway ball carrier heading for the posts, O’Mara flattened him and saved the situation temporarily.

James Blair took a very deft short ball to crash over for a well earned try with just minutes remaining but it was all too late and Manildra ran out winners 42-12. 

Despite the final score line, it was a much improved performance by the Brahmans. Lance Adams, Mick Spencer and Andrew Stadtmiller performed well - there was venom in their tackles, they were talking and moving across well. 

Binalong also had a fair share of field position, too, and their play-the-ball speed picked up pace into the bargain. They just lacked that little extra punch required to score tries.

Everyone gets a bye next week in the Woodbridge Cup. This provides some time to heal bumps and bruises until play resumes at the Binalong Recreation Ground on April 30 for the Condobolin clash. 

In other results on the weekend, Trundle defeated Condobolin 24-16, Peak Hill rolled Grenfell 30-20, Cargo belted Burrangong 70-6 and Canowindra beat Eugowra 46-10.

bos Indicus

Manildra 42 defeated Binalong 12 [T Regan, J Davis and J Blair tries]