Recap

Reds rise to the occasion at GIO

Goulburn first grade showed that they can hold their nerve in big match conditions with a stirring 20-5 win over RMC at GIO Stadium.

Billed as Military round by the Brumbies, at club level it was more about competition supremacy with Goulburn entering the match in top spot and RMC in second place.

It was an extraordinary opportunity for the players, and Goulburn’s first appearance on the ground in senior rugby. But while big occasion matches can sometimes get the better of teams, Goulburn was far from over-awed and took to the task methodically.

The club’s leading try-scorer, Matt Spratley was quickly on the board for his ninth try of the season, converted by Mikael Webber.

A second try in the first half went to Jordan Lees, and with a conversion and a penalty goal by Webber, the momentum was all with Goulburn, holding a 17-5 lead at the break.

But RMC, who always present with supreme fitness, lifted a few cogs in the second half and the match became more of a toe-to-toe slugfest… without the slugging.

For most of the second half, play stayed midfield.  The Reds had a few opportunities denied by RMC, and in return, RMC challenged the Goulburn line almost continuously for the final ten minutes.

But Goulburn’s committed defence held firm, as it has all year, and denied RMC a last ditch throw of the dice. The only change to the score in the second half was a Mik Webber penalty goal.

Goulburn remains undefeated through five rounds but their two tries to one victory over RMC confirmed the military side is still right on their tail leaving no room for complacency.

Best and fairest points went to Ben Cheetham (3), Alec Palmer (2), Brad Clements (1), Jordan Wilcox (1) and Mik Webber (1).  Cheetham also picked up Players Player.

Goulburn 20 (Matt Spratley, Jordan Lees tries, Mik Webber 2 conversions, 2 penalty goals) bt RMC 5 (Vilimoni Masikau try).