Despite losing 44-19 against the Boorowa Goldies, the competition's benchmark side and defending premiers, the Temora Rugby Union Club men’s team (Tuskers) produced one of their most encouraging performances of the season in their Central West Rugby Union South West Fuels Cup game. Playing on home turf at the Temora Recreation Ground last Saturday, the Tuskers matched their opponents for much of the game, according to their joint coach Kris Dunstan. Dunstan said the visitors ultimately ran away with the result, but the scoreline did not fully reflect the effort and improvement displayed by his side during the full 80 minutes. “Facing one of the strongest sides in the competition, we matched the Goldies for long periods and only trailed by 10 points with 20 minutes left on the clock, before fading in the last 10 minutes as we chased the game,” he said. “We were rewarded with tries to flanker Logan McKinnon, fullback Ryan Jordan and winger Connor Hawkesworth. “Hawkesworth's effort was undoubtedly the highlight of the afternoon, with the young speedster producing a spectacular finish in the clubhouse corner to add another five-pointer to what has already been an impressive try-scoring season for him.” Dunstan also gave a special mention to veteran prop Eric Whitton, who celebrated his 250th game for the club in typical style. “Whitton was colossal throughout the contest, producing a tireless 80-minute performance against a formidable Boorowa pack,” Dunstan said. “His leadership and work rate around the field earned him both the Players' Player award and the maximum three Best and Fairest points. “Joining Whitton among the standouts was fellow front-rower Decklan Reardon, who also went the full 80 minutes in a big effort, particularly in his ball running and effort around the ruck. “Reardon's strong work in both attack and defence saw him awarded two Best and Fairest points. “Lock Conlan West rounded out the awards after producing his finest performance of the season. “West was influential throughout the match, carrying strongly, defending tirelessly and making his presence felt at set pieces and around the park to claim the remaining Best and Fairest point.” Although Boorowa’s class eventually helped them pull clear, the Tuskers never stopped competing and continued to test the defending premiers until the final whistle. Their performance provided plenty of encouragement moving forward into the second half of the season, with the side demonstrating it can match the competition's leading teams when its intensity and execution are at the required level. The competition will have a general bye on Saturday due to the June long weekend. The Tuskers will start the second half of the competition with an away game against Cootamundra on 13 June, a game in which they will be looking to build on last week’s much-improved performance.
