The proud rugby league club enjoyed its second victory for the season against the Peak Hill Roosters, bringing its 2016 Woodbridge Cup campaign to a close. 

In contrast to this winter’s lacklustre performances, it was an inspiring triumph by the Brahmans at the weekend. They drew first blood just 90 seconds into the game with a brilliant try to Lance Adams, which Drew Arabin converted, to take the score to 6-0 for the next 18 minutes.

With a handy squad on the paddock, James Blair and Mick Spencer stood out from the pack and veteran Dave Ings was never far from the action. Former captain, Conor Dacey added starch in just his second game of the year. Dacey was injured in the second half but came back on late in the game. 

In the 19th minute of the match, Peak Hill levelled at 6-6 but Max Giles restored Binalong’s lead four minutes later for 12-6. The Roosters struck again 9 minutes before the break and the teams went to oranges at 12 a piece.

During the first half, backs Beau O’Mara and Max Giles went in support of James Blair and the combination worked well. 

A feature of the clash was the excellent Brahmans defence. Only one of the Rooster’s three tries was scored easily and from a kick on a wicked bounce.

It was Dave Ings and Danny and Drew Arabin who provided all the thrust. When play resumed, Lance Adams repeated his first half effort to bring the Brahmans up to 18-12 and Drew Arabin didn’t miss a goal all day.

After 47 minutes, captain Tom Johnson got a well earned try for the 24-12 lead. However, the visitors retaliated three minutes later to bring their points up to 18 and then Drew Arabin countered with his own try and converted for 30-18. Peak Hill did manage one final unconverted try after 62 minutes but didn’t trouble the scorer again. A near all-in-brawl erupted and the visitor’s left centre was sent to the showers. Binalong half Hayden Bee also got ten in the bin for the incident.

Very late in the match, Max Giles caught an 11 man Roosters outfit napping after another of their players went to the bin. Giles got an outside run down the left and, with the line wide open, he selflessly turned and flicked the ball to James Paton, who was trailing through to score his first try for 2016. So, with the ‘wooden spoon’ firmly in Burrangong’s grasp the Brahmans can retire for the year to watch the Jersey Girls and Calves continue their respective campaigns.

As this will be my last report for 2016, I would like to pay a tribute to the Binalong Rugby League Club for its faith in me. My special thanks also to my staff for their work throughout the past winter. A first class effort in often trying circumstances.

Brahmans 36 [Tries: L.Adams (2), M.Giles, T.Johnson, Drew Arabin, J.Paton. Goals: Drew Arabin (5), M.Giles (1)] defeated Peak Hill 22.