Recap

Short on numbers, big on heart: Goulburn U18s beaten by Daramalan

By THE SIDELINE EYE

The boys arrived at Daramalan with a little extra pep in their step after their win last week against Wests. The boys knew they had a few out with injury and illness, but none of them were expecting the late position changes and team numbers of fifteen as they hit the changerooms.

But if there is one thing these boys have in spades it’s heart, mateship and determination. Never spoilt for choice or numbers the boys took the shuffle in their stride, none more so than Jake Rudd our kicker and wingman, who found himself in the 10 jersey, and boy did he rise to the Challenge!

Spurring the team on with his enthusiasm and ballsy play, Daniel Garton our number three found himself playing a full game after his shoulder surgery and did not shy from the challenge, especially in the tough scrums.

The game was fast and physical from the start. Both teams contesting well until a few fast breaks through the backs saw Darra up by 14 points.

Lots of dynamic running and pilfers from both sides saw momentum change backwards and forwards.

Another fast try saw our fullback Josh Small come off the field with an eye injury, and then there were fourteen.

Daramalan found themselves challenging our line again, but I tell you what, we may have been a man short but our forwards made them work for it! and it was only after ten phases that they got through the line.

Half time saw our boys trailing by 27. Judging by the blowing, I am thinking a few wished they took pre-season cardio a bit more seriously!

Our Dynamic forward Jack Stubbs was not giving in to his head cold and was impressive with his work rate. Isaac Stanberg our inside centre was amused by the two golfball swellings that had replaced two of his knuckles and wondering if he would be able to catch a ball in the second half.

Now if ever there was a time to put your head down, it was when half the Daramalan Green division team arrived to take their position on the bench, but true to form, our boys never batted an eye, and just got on with the game!

With fifteen on the field again, a few penalties going our way, and a yellow for Darra, we found ourselves at the line.

A few explosive quick runs from our forwards put Darra on the back foot making way for our number five Dylan Biles to bust through the line and put us on the board! A post try celebration that you never get tired of seeing was followed by a sweet kick by Jake Rudd giving us 7 points.

Darra not happy, quickly returning fire by adding more points on the board. The game still kept up the pace, a few conceded penalties and fatigue saw the final score 47-7 at full time.

Best and fairest for Goulburn were Harry Hayes (3), Dylan Biles (2), Cooper Camden-Smith (1) and Jake Rudd (1) with Harry Hayes and sharing the Players Player honours. 

Daramalan 47 bt Goulburn 7 (Dylan Biles try, Jake Rudd conversion).

Photos: EMILY STANBERG

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