Only two Goulburn teams played in this weekend’s senior rugby, with the women’s competition having the weekend, and both men’s teams lost to Gungahlin in wet and miserable conditions at Poidevin Oval… but geez there was some impressive football played. We’ve also got a junior match report from last weekend.
A quick note on the main photo for this week’s roundup… Justin “Ricky Bobby” Benn was the oldest player on the paddock for Goulburn yesterday and, as with any older player, he’s travelling with a few ongoing injuries, in his case back and neck related. He not only hit up the ball endlessly but took on a load of defence and then, when player after player got injured in first grade, he was called upon again, he just said “let me at ’em.” And lots of other players deserve equal or greater praise. But I thought this photo, showing an old stager having such determination in his eyes in a game where they were looking down the barrel of a hiding, was worth highlighting. Well done that man!
Junior
Fizzy Reds 10s
By Evan Dougall
Friday June 20: Tough night for Fizzy 10s Friday night with at least 80% of the kids knocked off for school holidays before the whistle.
With the game broken into thirds due to the absence of Yass, the 10s faced a white-hot Braidwood and a warmer Crookwell Pups.
After a period of protest at the conditions and the draw, mostly from future journey man front rower Jake Sommers, it was down to business. The mercy rule could have been applied 10 mins into the first third but credit to the kids, they still fought for the honour of kicking off.
The finger finally went into the dyke in the final session against Crookwell as fatigue set in and Fizzys settled into their rugby. Bailey Yeo once again played above his weight, with Patrick Dougall collecting player of the night.
Hard night in perfect rugby conditions. Two weeks for a reset, and the 10s will return for the chocolates at the back end of the season.
Seniors
Click on hyperlinks for score sheets, photos and further details.
First grade: Obviously we all love wins, but sometimes even a loss leaves you feeling proud and impressed by your side. Despite losing 24-20 to Gungahlin Eagles, this was one of those games. Coming off a 75-12 shellacking of Queanbeyan, the resurgent Eagles side hit the ground running and had four tries, and a 24-8 lead by half time. But in the second half, even as key players were injured out of the game and despite a few players carrying injuries and illness, Goulburn fought back gamely. Gungahlin were kept scoreless in the second half even as key forwards Mikael Webber and Henry Cooper had to come off. As the game ran on, Goulburn emptied their bench to provide replacements. Goulburn’s leading men’s tryscorer Josh Condylios added another to his tally three minutes into the second half, and Eric Brown crossed 20 minutes after that. The final 20 minutes of the game was tough, muddy trench warfare with Goulburn repeatedly challenging the Gungahlin line but to their credit, the Eagles held firmly and held on for the win.
Also to Gungahlin’s credit, they did not stack down players from second grade as other Canberra sides have recently done. This was simply a quality Gungahlin side playing a competitive brand of footy in tough conditions, making a solid back-nine charge for the semis. To Goulburn’s credit, a strong recovery, a desire to fight back after the bulk of the damage was done in the first half, and a real commitment to rolling their sleeves up and not surrendering. Injury reports this week will be keenly anticipated and some recent retirees may be called upon to help out the club in a time of need. Will Mooney got 3 best and fairest points and Nick Tabner was named Players Player.
Second grade: As with the first-grade score, the result for Goulburn wasn’t a cause of celebration, but the context provided a lot to be proud of. The final result of 50-22 indicates a commanding win, and it was, but it doesn’t show that with 15 minutes left in the game, last placed Goulburn was trailing the competition leaders by just two converted tries. Gungahlin looked set to go on the cricket score, having scored 4 tries in just the first 16 minutes. But Goulburn’s defence lifted and stemmed the speed of scoring to have Gungahlin six tries to two at the break. The second half was a very different proposition and Goulburn scored the next two tries to be trailing 36-22 at the 55 minute mark. An unlikely come from behind win was at least a possibility but Gungahlin closed with two tries in the last 6 minutes to seal their deserved win. And despite the loss, Goulburn made a real game of it against the top team in their competition.
It was a busy game for the ref, with Gungahlin earning three yellow cards and Goulburn one red card. Highlights for Goulburn included a bonus point for scoring four tries, a try on senior grade debut by former Goulburn junior Sam Spackman, and Brandon Courts’ 50th club try. Three points went again to the dynamic Jack White, and Campbell Kruger was named Players Player.
- Men’s 1st grade: Gungahlin 24 bt Goulburn 20
- Men’s 2nd grade: Gungahlin 50 bt Goulburn 22
Around the Grounds:
ACT 1st Division 1st grade:
- Gungahlin 24 bt Goulburn 20
- Wests 36 bt Queanbeyan 19
- Tuggeranong 28 drew with Uni-Norths 28
- Royals BYE
ACT 1st Division 2nd grade:
- Gungahlin 50 bt Goulburn 22
- Tuggeranong 36 bt Uni-Norths 17
- West Lions 28 bt Queanbeyan 0 (forfeit)
- Royals BYE
Tables:
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