The season is over for the Bulldogs first grade but the reserve grade Dogs remain alive in the competition despite last weekend's loss to the Young Cherrypickers.
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Both Young and Cootamundra have struggled in first grade this season but their reserve grade sides have given supporters of both clubs hope for next season.
The Cherrypickers edged out the reserve grade side on Sunday to claim the Burmeister Shield minor premiership.
The Bulldogs take on Albury Thunder in Saturday's Elimination Semi this Saturday at Greenfield Park in Albury.
In this weekend's other semi final SouthCity Bulls take on Gundagai Tigers at Tumut while the Cherrypickers have the weekend off.
In the first grade semi finals Albury Thunder meets Wagga Brothers in the Elimination while Tumut Blues and SouthCity Bulls meet in the Qualifying Final.
Gundagai Tigers have the weekend off.
In last weekend's first grade encounter Young ran in 58 unanswered points to finish the season with a win over the Bulldogs who can now begin preparing for season 2020.
It was close early at Young's Alfred Oval, with scores locked at 6-all after former 'Pickers coach James Woolford crossed, but Cootamundra failed to make it consecutive victories on Sunday.
Departing coach Roy Jewitt thought Cootamundra just ran out of firepower.
"It was 6-all for a while and they were sticking it to us," he said.
"Credit to them.
"They put in a big performance as a lot of their players played reserve grade and then backed up."
Young Cherrypickers secured the 2019 Group Nine Burmeister Shield reserve grade minor premiership following a thrilling 16-14 win over Cootmundra on Sunday.
Late tries to Riley Manwaring and Will Manwaring and a match-winning sideline conversion from captain Nick Bush lifted Young to victory at Alfred Oval.
It's Young's first reserve grade minor premiership since 2004 - the same year they went on to win the premiership.
The result means Young is one win away from a grand final berth thanks to automatic qualification into the major semi-final in a fortnight.
Young trailed 10-4 at halftime and faced a 14-4 deficit for most of the second half before storming home late to overcome a strong Bulldogs outfit.
Nick Bush was hugely relieved to cap the regular season by winning the minor title.
"It's so good. It's been a long time coming for this group. There's been a lot of hard work, we deserve it. It's phenomenal I can't describe it," Bush said.
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