lmuir@dailyadvertiser.com.au

COOTAMUNDRA created history when the Bulldogs stunned Gundagai 20-8 in the Weissel Cup grand final at Equex Centre yesterday.

Reversing a 30-18 loss to Gundagai in the major semi-final a fortnight ago, Cootamundra eclipsed the Weissel Cup (under 18) title for the first time.

Although the town has a wonderful reputation for being a nursery for spectacular rugby league talent, Cootamundra had never previously tasted success in the competition named in honour of the incomparable Eric Weissel. The Bulldogs certainly broke their drought in fabulous fashion yesterday, handing Gundagai a thrilling four-tries-to-two defeat.

The result, however, was in the balance late in the second half as Cootamundra held a 16-8 lead with 10 minutes to go.

Setting the platform in the first half, the Bulldogs led 16-0 at half-time before the Tigers scored the first two tries of the second half to cut the deficit to eight points in the dying minutes.

In a desperate climax, Cootamundra needed to repel several Tigers raids as time ebbed away.

Ultimately, Cootamundra held the Tigers at bay, securing a last-gasp try in the final 20 seconds to finish its work.

Cootamundra coach Gerad Walsh said later he realised the young Bulldogs team had achieved something special yesterday, admitting he knew history had been against the team.

"It's a great result for the boys," Walsh said. "This (Weissel Cup win) has been a long, long time coming."

Walsh said the rookie Bulldogs had put their mark on the game in the first half.

"It was a great effort," he said.

"I'm very proud. They all did their job and stood up when it counted."

Despite capturing the minor premiership by a wide margin, Cootamundra went into the Weissel Cup grand final as underdog following the major semi-final crash.

However, the Bulldogs showed they had no scars from the loss by scoring three tries in the first half to run up a 16-0 lead.