Rarely can one report the weather was kind for football conditions in Cooma, but Sunday was a cracker.
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Merimbula’s Hot Doggies got the day underway against the Cooma Fillies and barely a bad step was taken as they proceeded to 50 unanswered points.
Lauren Kidd led from the front and had her team completing sets – and, most important of all, communicating well. Plenty of talk and disciplined positional play saw the ball with plenty of air time and ultimately points.
The 18s were up next and had a hard act to follow, but it was obvious from the kick off they would not disappoint.
They too soared to 50 unanswered points before Cooma finally crossed the line to make a mark on the scoreboard.
Dylan Jordan and Billy Doneman were solid all round and the team lifted with some brilliant combinations in the back row.
First grade was always going to be a hard task as early season injuries have claimed some impressive scalps.
However, as usual, coach Nathan Heffernan kept his cool and positioned his team to its strongest line up, matching experience and ability in every position.
Merimbula faced a full strength Stallions outfit as new recruit Tim Knight returned in the centres after a week out for disciplinary issues. He went on to impress.
Two early tries to Cooma caused the Dogs to review some positional plays and results were almost immediate with a try converted by Tom Taylor.
The game started getting ugly with a bit of banter from both sides, but Cooma capitalised on the distractions and managed two tries for a 26-6 half time score.
The second half took about an hour to play as refs stopped and started game time for further exchanges between players, as well as some injury concerns.
There were no points to be added to the half time score as the defensive effort from both sides rallied.
Taylor repeatedly turned the Cooma defence inside out with some dazzling runs up the middle.
He was matched by Reece Cunningham, who pound for pound is arguably the strongest man on the field.
Jamie Sinclair at half back was outstanding as well. Few people would know the pain he was in for most of the game, harbouring a rib injury from the week before.
He stayed focused and went the distance and in combination with the full back row saw the scoreline stagnate rather than grow in favour of their opposition.
In the forwards, Bailey Royal was outstanding and was supported by the ever-present Grant Moon.
Next week, the Dogs are off to Bemboka to tackle Bombala. It’s a Saturday game and the club looks forward to having fans join them.