Right from the moment Hooker Guy Sherrett crossed one minute into the game it was all one way traffic from there.

Condobolin were very much missing their key half back and the warm day did not suit their very sizeable forward pack.

Binalong’s long kicking game was a clever ploy because it forced the big Rams players to turn and run more than usual and by half time they were showing signs of fatigue.

At half time the score was 32-10.

The second half of the match produced much of the same, which meant that things only got worse for Condobolin.

A feature of the first half but much more evident in the second, was the willingness of Binalong to throw the ball around and to run with it and at times there were passages involving 7 passes which resulted in tries.

The Brahman passes stuck for most of the day and they were able to get the ball zipping around in what was their final match hitout before week two of the finals in the Woodbridge Cup.

The return of key five-eighth Scott Naughton was something to behold and the timing of his passes and creating of gaps may just give Binalong some extra spark going into the finals series.

Chris Rawlinson elected to run a little more in this match and the move paid instant dividends, whilst Ben Spencer, Tony Worthy and Andrew Swaffield were tremendous in defence and Ben Potts’ attack and off loads got a lot of second phase play going. 

At the 55th minute mark Anthony “Cuz” Merritt scored his first try of the season and the Binalong bench had lots of cause for joy.

Encouragingly after a few heated moments in recent weeks, the match was played in very good spirits and there was not a single blow-up in the match. 

Although the result was lop sided it was a very entertaining game to say the least with some fabulous running and passing ending up in tries.

Once again the Brahmans had virtually full squad but they also had some youth league players on the bench.

Binalong Tries: A. Swaffield (3), S. Naughton and H. Paton (2), G. Sherrett, T. Worthy, A. Merritt and P. Sparnon.

Binalong Goals: P. Sparnon (7). Binalong 28 def Condobolin (20.

Referee: Mr. Wayne Prosser.

Women’s League Tag: The Condobolin team only had 9 players on the day and it cost them dearly by game’s end, particularly on a warm afternoon where the temperature reached 26 degrees.

The home team opened strongly and forced a line drop-out, then scored from it, however at the 12th minute of the match, Binalong captain Bron Pollack ran wide down the right side to score a nice try which was then converted by Ali Giles.

Closing in on half time Condobolin dropped a pass and Ange Taylor scored and Giles converted again for the half time score of 12-4.in favour of the Jerseys.

In the second half, Condobolin attacked early, but dropped an easy ball and Maddie Miller made them pay with another try and the score at that stage was out to 18-4. 

The girls welcomed back Lisa Naughton who made a brilliant line break down the centre and at the 13^th minute of the second term Sam Bailey scored and Giles made no mistake with the kick.

With 11 minutes left in the match and the score at 24-4 Condobolin crossed again for a 24-10 scoreline, but right on full time Pollack scored again and Kaylah Smith made the conversion to blow the score out to 30-10.

Low and behold the Jerseys who finished second on the ladder at the completion of this match, now have to return to Condobolin next Sunday along with the Binalong Youth League team for the first week of the finals. 

Jersey Tries: B.Pollack (2), A.Taylor, M.Miller and S.Bailey,

Jersey Goals: A.Giles (4) and K. Smith 1.

Speaking after Saturday’s matches Binalong president Michael Brayshaw said the club was looking forward to the finals, but said all of the village’s teams would need to be at their best if they are to keep progressing.

“Finals are a whole new ball game and the ladies and youth teams are back over at Condo this Saturday for qualifying finals whereas our firsts have played some solid games to date and they will benefit from having a week off,” said Brayshaw.

Saturday’s Elimination Finals at Goologong Country Club are as follows:

Firsts: Grenfell vs Canowindra (winner to play the loser of Peak Hill vs Trundle, the loser finishes up)

League Tag: Grenfell vs Canowindra (winner to play the loser of Condobolin vs Binalong, the loser finishes up)

Youth League: Grenfell vs Canowindra (winner to play the loser of Binalong vs Eugowra, the loser finishes up)

Sunday’s Qualifying Finals at Condobolin Oval are as follows:

Firsts: Peak Hill vs Trundle at (winner to meet Binalong at Binalong on Sunday September 6, loser to play the winner of Grenfell vs Canowindra)

League Tag: Condobolin vs Binalong (winner to meet Eugowra, loser to play the winner of Grenfell vs Canowindra)

Youth League: Binalong vs Eugowra (winner to meet Peak Hill, loser to play the winner of Grenfell vs Canowindra)