Dawson scores four as Crookwell wins crucial clash with Bungendore

Tallon Smith

Crookwell consolidated its grip on third spot with two rounds of the George Tooke Shield regular season remaining with a 48-16 victory over Bungendore at the Crookwell Memorial Oval on Saturday.

Fullback Charlie Dawson starred with four tries and six goals for a personal haul of 28 points as the Green Devils moved four competition points clear of the Tigers to all but seal a top-three finish and a double chance in the upcoming finals series.

Crookwell coach Brian Gray was pleased to emerge with such a dominant result against a fellow finals contender given the importance of the match to the ongoing battle for ladder position between the two sides.

“We went into the game [with] Bungendore just two points behind us, so it was a pretty crucial game in that regard,” he said.

“Positions one, two, three are all important positions to finish in, and perhaps you end up with a home semi final or a home grand final, so there was a lot on the line.”

Charlie Dawson kicks for touch earlier this season (Photo: Tallon Smith)

Five different Crookwell players found their way onto the scoresheet, with Ben Flood picking up a double, while Daniel Selmes, Cameron Herd and Jack Dawson finished with one try each.

However, it was the performance of Charlie Dawson that stood out, with the Crookwell custodian doubling his season try tally in one outing.

“[He had] a great day, he won just about all our awards, our players’ player,” Gray said.

“He’d like a few more days like that down the track I’m sure.

“Having said that, he picked up the players’ player again the previous game against Harden, and he’s been really consistent from round one all the way through here.

“To see the improvement in him from year to year, his confidence is obviously high, and his involvement in the game is non-stop.

“If you put yourself in the game and every now and then you have a day where you can pick up four tries for yourself.”

In this weekend’s fixtures, Crookwell will take on last-placed Googong on Sunday, while Bungendore is set to host UC Stars in a rare Friday night game tomorrow.

CROOKWELL 48 (Charlie Dawson 4, Ben Flood 2, Daniel Selmes, Cameron Herd, Jack Dawson tries; Charlie Dawson 6 goals) BUNGENDORE 16 (Jesse Collins, Peter Mortimer, name private tries; Carl Johnson 2 goals) at Crookwell Memorial Oval, Saturday July 25.