Recap

Dirty Reds finish strongly over ADFA

By CHRIS GORDON

The Goulburn Dirty Reds first-grade men’s side powered home in the second half to beat a rusty ADFA side by 33-7 on Poidevin Oval on Saturday.

Over the last 30 years, Goulburn-ADFA matches have been an even money bet with the Reds winning 60 and ADFA 57 of those encounters. Many of those matches have gone down to the wire and at half time this match was shaping up the same way. 

Goulburn held a narrow 14-7 lead at the break, but proved stronger and more disciplined in the second chapter piling on 19 unanswered second-half points.

ADFA, who’ve had two weeks on the sideline as a precautionary health measure, showed uncharacteristic lapses in match fitness as the game developed.

The match became scrappy at times and as ill-discipline entered the match, the referee was forced to show the yellow card to several players.

But after absorbing a very physical first half, Goulburn found inroads both on the flanks and up the guts.

If not for some poor decisions and lapses in discipline, ADFA showed enough to confirm they could still pose a threat. 

Other milestones included Steve Anable notching up his first try for Goulburn and Nick Cornish adding his first try for the Dirty Reds firsts (and his fifth for the day) off the bench. 

Goulburn 1st grade 33 (Steve Anable, Ben Todkill, Mik Webber, Matt Spratley, Nick Cornish tries; Mik Webber 4 conversions) bt ADFA 1st grade 7.

Best and fairest points:

3 – Steve Anable
2 – Alec Palmer
1 – Ben Todkill
1 – Ben Cheetham

Players Player: Steve Anable

Photos: PETE OLIVER.

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