Recap

Slow start, big finish for Dirty Reds over Easts

By CHRIS GORDON

After a slow start, the Goulburn Dirty Reds first grade side eventually found their groove to comfortably account for Easts by 55-5.

For the opening stanza of the match, it began to look like Easts had pulled a rope-a-dope in reserve grade.

Despite playing essentially the same side that were beaten 71-0 by Goulburn’s reserve grade side, Easts were first to score and were still ahead by 5-0 almost twenty minutes into the match.

The Easts side were competitive at the breakdown and, with more than a little ring rust, the Dirty Reds struggled to assert themselves.

But eventually the pieces came together and Goulburn was able to change gears.

Goulburn was able to cross with four first half tries to Ben Cheetham, Steve Anable and Jordan Lees (twice) and with three Webber conversions Goulburn led 26-5 at the break.

The Reds held a comfortable lead in the second phase but still struggled to control the flow of the game, surrendering a swag of second half penalties that stymied their momentum. But Easts were unable to capitalise on their penalties and the Reds ran in five second half tries (Adam Lachlan, Alex Palmer, Will Money, Jackson Reardon and third for Lees) to close out the match at 55-5.

Next weekend Goulburn firsts play away to Hall who held Goulburn to their narrowest win of the season, and led for most of it. At their home ground home and with a point to prove, the Bushrangers may give Goulburn their toughest assignment of the year.

Goulburn 59 (Jordan Lees 3, Ben Cheetham, Steve Anable, Adam Lachlan, Alec Palmer, Will Money, Ben Todkill, Mik Webber 6, Jackson Reardon conversions) bt Easts 5.

Best and fairest points:

3 – Steve Anable
2 – Ben Cheetham
1 – Henry Cooper
1 – Abram Kara

Players Player:
Ben Cheetham

Photos: CHRIS GORDON