Tallon Smith

The Cootamundra Bulldogs have their eyes set on holding on to the Ray White Challenge Cup for the remainder of the season after a 44-4 win over the Wagga Brothers saw them take possession of the silverware at Les Boyd Oval on Sunday.

Chasing a points start of 18.5, the Bulldogs made light work of the line with seven different try scorers crossing for their eight four-pointers as they secured their third win of the season so far.

Bulldogs Coach David Buttriss said that the win meant a lot to the Cootamundra faithful, with  bumper crowd turning out to watch the match on Old Boys Day. 

“It was just really good to get that win,” he said. 

“That was the main thing we wanted back at home in front of a big crowd with the old boys. 

“All our supporters through the year deserve to sit back and watch us get a win and put on a good performance.

“In the sheds after the game, I just took a moment to sit back and just have a look at how happy everyone was, and it means a lot.

“They’ve put in a lot of effort this year and [I’m] really proud of them.” 

The 40-point win saw the Bulldogs claim the Ray White Challenge Cup, after Brothers held it for three weeks following improved performances against Albury and Temora.

With the Cootamundra club having a great history with cup football, namely the famous Maher Cup, and with two games to play against Gundagai and South City, Buttriss said the goal now is to finish the season on a high note with the silverware.

“There’d be nothing better than finishing up with the Cup,” he said.

“I spoke about it to the boys after the bye weekend, it would just be really pleasing to finish the season strong.

“We’ve got a few players back on deck now, so we’re really looking forward to going out on a high note.” 

After playing an instrumental role in bringing the Cootamundra club back to Group 9 from the George Tooke Shield, the impending arrival of Luke Berkrey from Yass at the Kennel in 2026 will see a change of coaches for the for the first time in two years.

With Buttriss set to move into the role of Assistant Coach next season, the Bulldogs mentor said he is happy to take a step back while still remaining involved in the club’s quest to return to finals football.

“I am looking forward to stepping back that little bit next year,” he said. 

“I know how good of a job Berks is going to do, and to just be able to still be around the boys and help out here or there will be perfect.”

Attention now turns to the club’s first defence of the Cup against Gundagai at home this Sunday, where the Bulldogs have been given a +20.5 start.