Recap

Goulburn victorious in top of the table 15s match

By JASON MORONEY

In another wet one, the top of the table clash didn’t disappoint with a tight game in the U15s that wasn’t decided until well into the second half.

Last weeks run in the rain served the team well as a weight of possession and territory in the second half saw Goulburn run out winners over Marist Sky 33-12.

Outstanding defence in the first half, however, where Goulburn saw little territory and less ball, set the foundation for the win.

Coaches Seaman and Barker had the boys play a ‘territory’ game in the second half, capably put into place by long kicking from backs Josh Evans and Charlie Moroney.

Captain Matt Seaman again stood tall, driving his forwards who were well led by players player Noah Bartlett-Taylor, Willy ‘Bog-Trot’ Barker, Simon ‘The Snake’ Leach and Big bad bustling Benny Ishimwe.

The always difficult to handle Joey Simmons scored a pair and Brendan ‘BP- the Quiet Achiever’ O’Rourke played his usual solid game. Putting aside his disappointment in not arriving at the game in the Pony car, Josh Clarke showed that his off-season work is really starting to come to fruition.

In what must be something of a record, Connor Hughes was held up 4 times over the line. Special mention to Toby ‘Mad dog’ Moller who plays like a thrashing machine, but may be in for a holiday next week…red cards have that effect.

Big mention again to the outside backs- Seth Kennedy, Tush Mani, Levi Willoughby- they tackle hard, catch well, and are a handful in attack.

Pat Craig and Bailey Shipp – slippery in attack today and again formed a defensive wall in the backs that Marist found difficult to penetrate.

The team’s discipline at times was lacking as they were on the wrong end of the penalty count- in particular offside play and verbal discipline will be areas that the coaches will work on this week.

This was the game Goulburn needed; the boys didn’t disappoint, rising to the occasion to record a strong win against a good Marist team.

No-one likes losing at home. Goulburn may have taken round 1, but no doubt Marist will go away, lick their wounds, and prep for round 2 in September.

Thanks to the ref and also Sam Simmons for being the regular ‘touchie’.

Best and Fairest points:

3 – Josh Evans
2 – Will Barker
1 – Connor Hughes

Players player: Noah Bartlett-Taylor

Goulburn 33 (Joe Simmons 2, Noah Bartlett-Taylor, Josh Evans, Charlie Moroney tries; Charlie Moroney 4 conversions) bt Marist Sky 12.

Photos: EMILY STANBERG