Recap

Goulburn gallant in David & Goliath loss to Tuggeranong

By CHRIS GORDON

A brace of tries by the Vikings in the last six minutes dashed the chances of the Goulburn Dirty Reds second grade side at Viking Park on Saturday, losing to Tuggeranong by 29-12.

In one of those matches where the score doesn’t provide a lot of context, the Reds trailed Tuggeranong by 19-12, just one converted try, from the 31st minute until the 64th minute, only to succumb to the powerful Vikings unit in the shadow of full-time.

The assignment was a tough one from the start with Tuggeranong holding a David and Goliath style advantage in terms of pack weight. Not helping Goulburn’s campaign on the day was the absence of four of the club’s regular front-rowers – Henry Cooper, Oscar Cunningham, Tim Moule and Justin Benn, along with several other forwards due to injury and other unavailability.

Nonetheless, Goulburn began the match with contested scrums but the mismatch in pack sizes was instantly apparent, allowing the Vikings to regularly and easily drive the Reds at every scrum and maul opportunity.

Tuggeranong was first on the board with a converted try off the back of a rolling maul 7 minutes in, but two minutes later Jacob Kara equalized with a try for Goulburn, converted by Jimmy Rudd.

Tuggeranong scored two more tries – in the 16th and 19th minutes – but Goulburn’s tenacious defence kept their outsized opponents scoreless for the next 45 minutes.

Finishing off a break set up by a jinking run by Jacob Kara, Josh Condylios scored a try for the Reds shortly before half-time, reducing the margin to 19-17 and there it stayed until six minutes out from full-time.

Just how Goulburn was able to be still in the game given Tuggeranong’s dominance in scrum and maul and their obvious potential was a credit to the Reds who worked tirelessly at the breakdown.

Loose forwards Michael Cooke, Liam Levoshko and skipper Jack Burke particularly stood out as they have each match this year with scrappy and willing work at the ruck, and pouncing on all opportunities in general play.

If the Vikings had any Achilles Heel, it was their handling. They conceded plenty of dropped ball, forced and unforced, particular when putting the ball through the hands. The Reds seized on every occasion and broke down many Viking raids but were unable to break the Tuggeranong line.

After a couple of patchy performances in recent matches where they only came together in the second half, the Dirty Twos put together their strongest, heartiest and most consistent performance of the season so far.

Unfortunately the huge expense of petrol used up in defending against the gargantuan Vikings unit meant the tank fell dry just before full-time, allowing Tuggeranong to run in two quick tries.

On paper, this was the team’s biggest loss of the season. In context, it showcased the side sticking with a game plan, good decision making and a gutsy effort against a side that realistically could have run in a cricket score against them.

Josh Condylios, who was not only one of the best on the field in reserve grade but possibly the best for the whole club on the day, earned the Players’ Player vote. Best and fairest points went to Liam Levoshko (3), Michael Cooke (2), Josh Metz (1) and Josh Condylios (1).

The Goulburn Rugby Club would like to thank Tuggeranong trainer Vainuu Solofa who, without any notice, found himself refereeing not just this game but also the following first-grade game and who did so as well as any badged ref would have.

The Reds are at home next week against Gungahlin.

Tuggeranong Vikings 29 (Name Withheld 5 tries, Not Player Event 1 try, Name Withheld 2 conversions) bt Goulburn 12 (Jacob Kara, Josh Condylios tries, Jimmy Rudd 1 conversion)

Photos CHRIS GORDON

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By the clock:

• 7 mins – Tuggeranong converted try (0-7)
• 9 mins – Jacob Kara try, Jimmy Rudd conversion (7-7)
• 16 mins – Tuggeranong try (7-12)
• 19 mins – Tuggeranong try (7-19)
• 31 mins – Josh Condylios try (12-19)
• HALF-TIME
• 64 mins – Tuggeranong try (12-24)
• 66 mins – Tuggeranong try (12-29)