Dylan Downey on the charge for Binalong.
The Binalong Brahmans faced the unenviable task of heading to Coota for the second last round of the George Tooke Shield regular competition on Saturday.
The Bulldogs were having 2 reunions on the day and later that night, a fundraiser for former player Joey Cooper which meant they had plenty of supporters in the crowd.
To their credit the Brahmans turned up and put on plenty of shots, however, were only able to muster 11 starting players on the day. Mick Spencer had returned from a month long trip to Cambodia where he was undertaking humanitarian work in his chosen field of plumbing.
He got off the plane and drove to Coota to make up the numbers with just enough time to take part in the warm-up and put a jumper on.
The Bulldogs ended up with 10 men after Ben Spencer broke his wrist and they continued to battle on bravely, with 13 minutes to go.
Even when the offer was made to shake hands after the final try with a couple of minutes on the clock.
Binalong persevered and finished the match.
The Brahmans did themselves proud and also ensured that a great day was had by the Coota club, who had so many former players and supporters returning to the town and just as importantly the fundraiser for Cooper, who is battling a major illness.
The Brahmans managed to cross the line twice to record 8 points while Coota utilised their bench and piled on more than 80 points.
Coota stalwart and trainer Ned Miller was glowing of Binalong’s effort to turn up and put in a brave performance when they could have forfeited.
He said, “They didn’t have enough players. I spoke to club President Ben Spencer early in the week and he confirmed they would be coming.
True to his word, they turned up. It’s unfortunate Ben suffered an injury, but all credit to him and them for giving us an opposition on the day and playing on bravely with short numbers. I’m very impressed with Binalong, they should be proud of themselves.”
Binalong will face Boomanulla in the final round at Binalong while the ladies side will enjoy a ladies day.
Coota head to Canberra to face the unpredictable North Canberra Bears.