Recap

Final surge not quite enough in grand final against Eddies

By TROY McNALLY

This week saw the U16s ready and primed after a week of solid training to play for 3rd plays 4th Grand Final at North Curtin, up against St Eddies in a tough rematch….and that it was.

The boys had a good warmup despite the chilly weather. The coaches upped the temp with a pre game rev up to have the boys ready for action.

We received the ball from kickoff and were met with a wall of blue and whites. It didn’t faze Goulburn and they composed themselves well with structured plays, however Eddies defence was enough to apply the right amount of pressure which saw Goulburn hand over possession too often. The game felt like at times, as though it didn’t move too far from our 22. St Eddies did well to read the game and after several attempts to run around our backline eventually crossed the line for two quick tries.

The boys kept their heads up and continued to give it all, but again Eddies ran in for another try. With minutes remaining before half time we applied enough pressure to break through the Eddies defence and work towards the try line. With Eddies on their back feet Goulburn surge forward and after being given multiple penalties in favour of us crossed the line but the try was disallowed from a tough on-field decision. The boys played to the whistle but by halftime the score was 19 – 0 to Eddies.

At the break, the coaches told the boys that the game was still within reach. Three things to work on and the game is ours….Commit to tackles, Communication, Use the ball.

The second half started well and saw Goulburn apply pressure in the oppositions half. The game was played well by both teams defensively but with a break in play, Goulburn ran down the blindside and planted the ball down for our first try.

From that, Goulburn finished with a late surge but Eddies ran in for another try, ending the game with a win. St Edmunds 26 – Goulburn 5.

I would like to thank Will, Bailey and Ben from the under 15s who each week helped make up our team, without them the games would have been tough with limited reserves and all three of them acquitted themselves fantastically in every game.

I would like to thank all the coaches, helpers and parents for all their support and hard work not only this year but since this team came together, it has been a journey.

Starting the season off with Covid seemed impossible but we cannot thank Goulburn Rugby enough for their support and allowing the boys to take the field in their new colours.

I am extremely proud of the boys and the effort and commitment they put in week in week out, I have been fortunate to witness them develop from not more than little nippers to young men that their parents, the club and our local community can be proud of.

Next season will see some big changes! Some of our boys will separate from their mates to stay down in their correct age group and continue under the guidance of Mike Seaman and Will Barker, while the rest will be accepted into the fold with big Dave Anable and the remaining players of his newly formed 18’s team.

Damian will move into the assistant coaching role and is excited to see the boys develop further as both men and rugby players thriving with new fresh direction after his 4 years at the helm

Thank you boys for the enjoyment and pride you have bought to myself and all the coaches over the years, good luck in all that you do in the future.

St Edmund’s Blue 26 bt Goulburn 5 (Alec Elliott)

Photos: EMILY STANBERG.

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