Recap

Dirty Reds season resurgence dealt a blow

By Chris Gordon

Goulburn’s season 2024 revival was dealt a blow with a 24-7 loss to the Uni-Norths Owls.

As with the second grade match, it was bottom of the ladder plays top of the ladder but the Cinderella story didn’t work out in both grades.

With the strong wind behind them, the Owls dominated and in a very costly 10 minute period ran in three converted tries to hold a 21-0 lead at the break.

The second half put that wind at Goulburn’s backs and the game took on a different complexion. A try by Dallas Brown early in the second half reversed Goulburn’s frequent problems in the first 10 minutes of the second half but even with much-improved field position, the Reds had difficulty converting their opportunities.

o add a bit more scoreboard pressure, and to improve their buffer, the Owls added a penalty goal in the last ten minutes. Goulburn was the only team to score a try in the second half, a significant achievement against the competition leaders but not enough to advance the team’s path to the semis.

As with second grade, the ladder has been condensed with higher placed sides knocking each other over. With four rounds remaining the Goulburn first grade side still remains a chance if they can win no less than three of the last four games (four would be better), but soon it will be getting into that “mathematical” territory of depending on results in other games.

To launch that late season comeback, first grade will be at home with both other senior teams next weekend for the club’s Ladies Day.

Uni-Norths 24 bt Goulburn 7 (Dallas Brown try, Brandon Courts conversion).

Best & Fairest points:

3 – Dallas Brown
2 – Connor Minehan
1 – Campbell Kruger

Players’ Player:

Dallas Brown

By the Clock:

20 mins – Uni Norths conv. try (0-7)
23 mins – Uni Norths conv. try (0-14)
30 mins – Uni Norths conv. try (0-21)

39 mins – Dallas Brown try (5-21)
62 mins – Uni Norths penalty goal (5-24)