The Jindabyne Bushpigs started the defence of their rugby union title in grand style, running away as convincing winners 54 - 5 over Yass in the first game of the season in Jindabyne.
From the outset the team showed intensity and determination in defence, but it was their attack that had some sparkle as they game evolved. While far from perfect, and which will improve with more outings as a team, the way they passed and threw the ball around showed signs of entertaining footy for the season ahead.
With a number of new players added to the squad for 2023, the years ahead is already looking positive. If they can eliminate the unnecessary mistakes that at times cost them both in metres and momentum, they will be a better outfit.
With a large bench and all players getting a run to dust off the summer cobwebs, there was a plethora of tries scored, initiated by captain Dylan Johnson with the opener.
The visiting Yass side who did not field a team in 2022 while outplayed on the scoreboard, were full of heart and on the day just came up against a Bushpigs team that were keen from the very start.
Coach Mick Needham said most of the the boys in a good performance.
"We only had one trial match and that was with only fourteen blokes, it was good for the first hit out and everyone played well," said coach Needham.
We asked the other team could if we use all the boys, we had 22, everyone had a run and got their first tackle and run out of the way. Its a good start yep, we've got plenty of players and a few blokes to still come back."
Fullback Matt Caldwell scored a hattrick of tries, with other try scorers Jake Roarty, Finn Chatten, Dylan Johnson and Jackson Stewart.
After missing last year's grand final through injury, Liam Pepper was back to his robust best troubling the opposition and showing aggression in defence. After the game he said it was really good, we were a bit scrappy in places was how he described the game.
Commenting on the new players in the team Pepper said, "The young fellas killed it, the young fellas coming through, it's awesome to see in the team, it's really great. If we keep playing like that as a team I think we will go a long way."
Best player awards
3 points and players player - captain Dylan Johnson
2 points - Jackson Stewart
1 point - Tui Samoa & Jake Roarty
Next Game
On Saturday April 22 the Bushpigs and Miss Piggies play away at ADFA Dowsett Rugby Fields.
There were some special moments during the game that set up a scoring opportunities and showed the skill of many of the players. In the image above, Jake Roarty offloads after throwing a dummy for Matt Caldwell to race away.
In the image below Jackson Stewart after making a long break passes as he falls to the ground in another great attacking play. (for more images, scroll through the gallery from headline image.)
Miss Piggies
The Miss Piggies ladies team started their season with a solid win 29-15 over the Yass Ewes.
Bernadette Lai was a standout with a hattrick of tries, often leaving the defence in her wake as she sprinted away to score. Montana Hawkins and Sharna Barras also crossed the try line. The game was somewhat soured and finished a few minutes before time as Charlotte Linton suffered a head knock and was stretchered from the field. After a long wait for an ambulance, she was taken to Cooma Hospital for assessment and returned home that night.