A second half blitz saw the Lake Jindabyne Hotel Bushpigs soar over opponents Gungahlin Eagles, winning 75-12 in their clash at John Connors Oval last Saturday.
The Bushpigs led 26-5 at half time and came out of the sheds firing in the second half, scoring 49 unanswered points before Gungahlin bagged one on the hooter to cries of “last try wins!”
The result was a pleasing one for the home side in its annual charity day, supporting The Fly Program in 2017 to help raise awareness and funds for the fantastic initiative founded by former Bushpigs player and coach Matt Tripett. Rumour has it he may now see out the season in a Bushpigs jersey!
Player/Coach Matt “Pecker” Caldwell (Rob Kneller Foundation) had another field day in fullback, scoring around 37 tries and kicking 20 or so goals in a performance that earned him the pewter mug of doom at the LJ.
Captain Liam “Repsi” Pepper (Jindabyne Butchery) returned to the side, providing plenty of go-forward and earning himself another double and 3 points from the coach.
The wingers both scored thanks to plenty of possession: Ben Kuner (Jindabyne Pharmacy) running so fast on his way to two tries and 2 coaches points that his hair fell out later in the evening; while Jared “Pipi” Cummins (Snow FM) was elusive on the right side, despite the attention his terrible haircut received.
Sam Pfitzner (Maddison York Chartered Accountants) had another outstanding game, despite playing out of position like most players in this year’s pack. He received 2 points for his efforts. Number 8 Brad Sanders (Small Brothers Plumbing) was dominant around the park, living up to the hype of the charity day poster with a 1-point performance.
Half back Matt Want (Marshall Batteries) thankfully left his kicking boots at home and was again deceptively slow in evading defenders to score the team’s decisive 10th try of the day.
Whilst the record books will show that the backs dominated the scoreboard and the dance floor, the foundation for their success was a tough attacking and defensive effort from the entire forward pack, and the depth we finally had on the reserves bench (Broe Electrical). Let’s hope we see as much depth in a fortnight when we’re away to Batemans Bay!
It was easily the biggest home match of the season for the club, with four games taking place on a stunning winter’s day.
The First Tracks Under 10 Piglets played their first home game of the season, enjoying a 22-all draw against Royals in a nail-biter and showing that their skills and teamwork improve with every match.
The RipCurl Jindabyne Under 13 Piglets then continued their unbeaten run, with a dominant 49-19 win over Cooma.
In the third match of the day, a bigger and more experienced Royals side was then too good for our Get Fenced Under 12’s, defeating us 62-0.
Prior to the Bushpigs match the players were all presented with their jerseys by club sponsors and life members.
The day was capped with a huge night at the Lake Jindabyne Hotel, where players, sponsors and supporters bid for the Bushpigs limited edition jerseys in the live auction, amassing over $8,000 in bids across the 25 jerseys. Local artist Brad Cox then belted out a heap of tunes, including his new single Too Drunk To Drive.
Thanks to all volunteers involved in the organisation of the day, along with sponsors and supporters that provided prizes and contributed to the fundraising. Also thanks to the the players from Gungahlin, who joined in the evening’s festivities and supported the fundraising.
The next Bushpigs mens home match is Saturday 24 June, when the Bushpigs take on Taralga. View all the event details here.