2018-M1-10: Queanbeyan v Goulburn

Recap

Queanbeyan White wash

The planets aligned and the rugby Gods smiled (Zeus and Thor sound like they might be rugby guys) on the Dirty Reds when they beat the Queanbeyan Whites 36-0 in the ACT first division match of the day at Queanbeyan on Saturday.

In perhaps their best display of the year, the Reds showed great composure, patience and adherence to their game plan to beat their higher-ranked rivals. Making mostly good choices and few errors, they were able to capitalise on the opportunities that presented while their tireless defence kept Queanbeyan scoreless.

Going into the match, Goulburn was ranked fourth on the ladder with 32 competition points, just behind third placed Queanbeyan with 33. Leading into the match, coach Ben Pearson told the team their destiny lay in their own hands as they would need to play three matches against teams in the top four in the remaining matches of the season.

Typical of away games this year, player numbers were stretched and injuries in reserve grade only required more first graders to back up but when they hit the paddock for first grade there were no signs of lethargy.

The Reds led 15-0 at the break but were acutely aware that the Queanbeyan side was more than capable of taking the match if they took their foot off the throttle at any time.

In the second half, Goulburn hit that sweet spot of not getting complacent and easing off the pace, but also not impatiently forcing bad options to extend the score. Methodically but commandingly they built their phases, minimised penalties, denied Queanbeyan any opportunities and added 21 second half points to the scoreboard.

The 36-0 scoreline didn’t give an indication of the difference in ability between the two sides so much as the discipline and focus Goulburn brought on the day.

In the post-match wrap-up, coach Ben Pearson praised his troops for playing the full game at the intensity required.

“We’ve still got lots to work on but that was excellent,” he said.

“But if we keep making these steps now and keep the right attitude for the remainder of the competition, we’re on target. We just have to keep lifting from here.”

Three best and fairest points and players player went to Jayden Hunt who notched up two tries for the second time this season. Two points went to Mik Webber and one point each to Brad Clements and Mark Kaimoana.

Goulburn 36 (Jayden Hunt 2, Jordan Wilcox, Mik Webber, Matt Spratley tries; Mik Webber 4 conversions, one penalty goal) bt Queanbeyan 0.