Cootamundra’s under 16s Bulldogs will face a tough test this weekend when they take on Gundagai at Les Boyd Oval.
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The two sides are sitting fourth and fifth on the ladder at present with the winner to claim fourth spot.
Cootamundra will be looking to exact some revenge on the Tigers, who beat them 16-14 last time they played after scoring with three minutes to go to capture the lead.
Importantly, the top five will go through to the finals come August.
The side has experienced a hit and miss season with four wins and five losses.
They are made up primarily of last season’s under 15s, a squad which enjoyed success for many seasons and a number of grand final wins and appearances.
Coach Aaron Byrne suggests other teams are catching up to their skill, size and teamwork, however is positive about what lies ahead for his boys this season.
“Their attitude at training is second to none; up there with the best I’ve seen from any team ever,” Byrne said.
“Hopefully they get rewarded for their effort later in the year because the results haven’t been going our way all the time,” he continued.
That said, the boys have enjoyed their share of success, basking in a well-crafted victory over the Kangaroos at Les Boyd Oval earlier this month.
Byrne is confident the side will play finals football if they can win at least half of their games in the lead-up.
“Once finals start, anything can happen,” he said.
Captain Zac Rumble has been impressive this year, leading from the front with Alex Wiggins, and 14-year-old Brendan Kelleher also catching the eye of Byrne.
Working together is a forte of the team, which has played so much football together over the years.
This weekend they will be without Adam Hinds (out for six weeks with a broken hand due to an injury sustained during school football) and Max Cameron (a possible season-ending shoulder injury).
The side had been hoping to see Sam Sheahan back in a Bulldogs jersey with the popular player home from school, however he too is out injured.
The side is bolstered this season by Josh Deep and Junee-based Damon Jackson, who are eligible for both under 18s and 16s.
The 16s will kick off a big day of football on Saturday at Les Boyd Oval with their game commencing at 10am.
Leaguetag will be in action from 11.10am with reserve grade kick-off scheduled for 1.30pm and first grade 2.30pm.