The Young Cherrypickers have suffered only their second defeat for the season, going down
to the Temora Dragons by 16 points on Sunday at Alfred Oval.
The Dragons remain the only team to get the better of the Pickers, with Sundays win for Temora meaning they have beaten Young on both occasions they’ve met this season whilst also leapfrogging them into second place.
It took just over 10 minutes for either side to register points, with Boro Navori scoring in the corner for the home side, before Lachie Cole replied for the Dragons soon after.
A loose pass from Young was swooped upon by Cole, who had his second before half time with Brody Foster joining him on the try scorers list to push the Dragons out to a 16-4 half time lead.
A try for the Pickers to Max Jones cut Temora’s margin to six, however a quick double to Dragons fullback Hamish Starr had the visitors again out to a commanding lead.
Cooper Smith dived over for the Pickers to reduce the deficit to ten, before Young failed to take control of the ensuing kick off and three plays later Billy Reardon received a well timed short pass to have Temora in front 32-16 with 20 minutes left to play.
There seemed to be life left in the Cherrypickers yet, as they piled on pressure as Temora’s ill-discipline gifted Young numerous back to back sets, eventually Max Jones finding his way over the line for his second and providing a glimmer of hope with a little over 10 minutes remaining.
Unfortunately for Pickers players and supporters, that optimism was extinguished nearly instantly as a powerful Brodie Mirtschin carry saw the Dragons back rower get the games final points as he planted the ball down in the corner.
A short turnaround will see Young travel over to Laurie Daley Oval in Junee on Saturday to take on an in form Diesels outfit, that are celebrating three premiership reunions along with their Centenary of Rugby League.
In results for other grades, Young were big winners in the Weissel Cup 62-4, Young won the Womens Tackle 46-10, Temora took out League Tag 54-6 while in the closest contest of the day, Temora won Reserve Grade 9 points to 8.
Aaron Byrne
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