The Binalong Brahmans have lost their first match in more than two years of competitive rugby league, going down 28-20 to Peak Hill.
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The Brahmans were always going to find the away visit to Peak Hill a difficult one, especially when just 16 players could make the trip. And, that included youngster Dylan Arabin, who started for Binalong after playing a full game with the juniors.
Despite the setbacks, Binalong started the game well, with Guy Sherrett making easy metres up the middle and finding the try line. AJ Sykes then made his mark on the game, scoring twice in his first game of the year. Not long before half time Binalong registered more points, courtesy of the in-form Andrew Swaffield.
It made the score 20-0 and the visitors were in cruise control.
But just before halftime the Roosters gained some of the ascendancy back and crossed the line making it 20-6 at the break.
After a positive halftime break, Binalong were completely trampled in the second stanza. Peak Hill was too strong in front of its parochial home crowd, and ran away with the win and the points. As a result they remain undefeated and at the top of the Woodbridge Cup table.
Brahmans skipper Chris Rawlinson said there were parts of the match that pleased him.
“I was happy with the performance in the first half as it was probably our best half of the year,” he told the Tribune.
“But that doesn't count if you can't finish the other half like the first one, so to play like that in the second is disappointing.”
He said he was satisfied with the team at the moment, and is confident they can go a long way in the competition this year.
“I'm happy with how we are going especially with no trials, injuries and lot of new faces in the team.
“But I think we can be a better team if we are bit more committed to training and really work on things.
“If we do this I think we will be right up there at the end of the year.”
In the Players’ Player polling Guy Sherrett took a point, AJ Sykes claimed two and Andrew Swaffield took the three on offer. Rawlinson said he’s particularly impressed with the way Swaffield’s performing, saying he’s in “career best form”.
The Brahmans return to Binalong this weekend and will come up against the Canowindra Tigers, who sit fourth on the ladder.
The Jersey Girls also return to the field at 12.30pm on Saturday, after having the weekend off.
