Recap

Reds down to ADFA

You couldn’t have asked for a sunnier day at Poidevin Oval on Saturday, but the results were a bit less shiny for the Dirty Reds, going down to ADFA in both grades.

In one of those games where the final score doesn’t tell you much about the contest, the score was locked up at five all with twelve minutes left on the clock, but an ADFA avalanche of tries blew out the score 31-5.

Matches against ADFA are typically tough and this was no exception. With grand final intensity, the Reds threw the kitchen sink at ADFA in the first half and were camped within ADFA’s quarter for most of the opening twenty minutes.

But ADFA’s defence was resolute and indefatigable. Numerous promising try-scoring opportunities were cut down by ADFA’s scrambling defence. Despite their early dominance, Goulburn had little to show for their efforts until three minutes before the break when Monty Hicks crossed the line.

That would have been a handy advantage going into the break but ADFA responded barely two minutes later with their own try to level up at 5-5 at half time.

The second half was more of the same… neither side giving an inch, neither side able to gain the ascendancy. Until the 58th minute.

ADFA’s composure and fitness eventually won through to break the deadlock. Then, having gained the momentum, they held on to it for four quick tries in rapid succession.

All in all, a tough way to finish the match for the Reds but a poignant reminder of the benchmark they have to meet.

Best and fairest points went to Monty Hicks (3), Josh Guymer (2) and Jordan Lees (1) with Lees also picking up Players Player.

ADFA 31 bt Goulburn 5 (Monty Hicks try).