Recap

Dirty Reds women finish regular season with another club record

By Chris Gordon

The Dirty Reds women’s side finished their home and away season with a club record 119 points to Jindabyne’s 5 in a concise and controlled performance.

Having broken the club’s all time record only a few weeks ago, the Reds broke it again for their third 100+ score of the season.

For Goulburn, it looked like the culmination of a season’s worth of getting it right. Their processes were in place, players exploited their channels and their complete package of attacking and defensive skills was on display.

Presumably the whole team is now off that special end of season run reserved for those who haven’t scored a try this season. Nine of the squad’s 14 players crossed at regular intervals, with five tries coming from each of the first two quarters, two in the injury-reduced third quarter and a whopping eight tries in the last 15 minutes. 

Vice-captain Ash Mewburn, who kicked 12 conversions – possibly a club record – added a touch of levity in the final minutes when, instead of taking the try on offer, propped for a field goal attempt. As the Jindabyne defender approached, Mewburn explained “it’s ok, I’m just trying to kick a field goal.” Strangely, as reasonable as that request sounded, the Jindabyne defender was not convinced to just let her have it and decided to tackle her, much to Mewburn’s apparent surprise.

While it was a lopsided scoreline, it was a good natured game that showcased not only Goulburn’s consistency but also Jindabyne’s heart. Despite only having nine player available, and despite knowing Goulburn’s dominance this season, Jindabyne still hopped on a bus for the longest trip in the competition to make sure they didn’t forfeit and deprive Goulburn of a game. It speaks volumes of the club’s culture.

And while the score may not show it, Jindabyne played some very good rugby and even though Goulburn loaned them a few players, it was a tiring assignment playing 10s without a bench. Jindabyne’s luck didn’t improve with an injury in the second half reducing their side to eight (Goulburn reduced players to match numbers) but in their few opportunities with possession the Miss Piggies never gave up, committed few errors and played until the end.

The Goulburn Women, already the minor premiers irrespective of having the bye next weekend, finished the regular season with a points for/points against differential of 796 points – the most in any competition this season and possibly an all time record in all ACT administered competitions this year.

And therein lies the danger. The potential for over-confidence. Coming up behind them on the table are ADFA – who themselves have a points differential of 555. In any other season that would see them way out in front of the competition. ADFA’s available personnel varies from week to week due to Academy assignments and activities and that has led to some monster wins and some surprise losses. Their 93-5 win over Yass this weekend is a timely reminder of their potency and, while their occasional lower scores may not be a deliberate rope-a-dope, it’s helped them travel along less noticed than usual. They’re now back at full strength and ready to spring a trap on any team that expects that variable form at the pointy end of the season.

After next weekend’s bye, Goulburn has been awarded a home Qualification Semi Final on 24 August when they’ll play ADFA.

Goulburn 119 (Merrin Eagles 4, Bella Sheen 3, Jasmine Bes 3, Josephine O’Brien 2, Nicole Waddell 2, Emily Stanberg 2, Hunnie Martin, Jessie Abnett, Livia Minikin tries) bt Jindabyne 5.

Best & Fairest points:

3 – Johanna Gossler
2 – Hunnie Martin
1 – Merrin Eagles

Players’ Player: 

Merrin Eagles

By the clock

3 mins – Merrin Eagles try (5-0)
5 mins – Merrin Eagles try (10-0)
10 mins – Josephine O’Brien try, Ash Mewbun conv (17-0)
14 mins – Bella Sheen try, Ash Mewburn conv (24-0)
15 mins – Merrin Eagles try (29-0)

17 mins – Hunnie Martin try (34-0)
20 mins – Jindabyne try (34-5)
22 mins – Bella Sheen try, Ash Mewburn conv (41-5)
28 mins – Jasmine Bes try (46-5)
30 mins – Josephine O’Brien try, Ash Mewburn conv (53-5)

31 mins – Jasmine Bes try, Ash Mewburn conv (60-5)
37 mins – Emily Stanberg try, Ash Mewburn (67-5)

46 mins – Nicole Waddell try + conv (74-5)
48 mins – Nicole Waddell try (79-5)
50 mins – Livia Minikin try (84-5)
52 mins – Jasmine Bes try, Ash Mewburn conv (91-5)
55 mins – Emily Stanberg try, Ash Mewburn conv (98-5)
56 mins – Merrin Eagles try, Ash Mewburn conv (105-5)
58 mins – Jessie Abnett, Ash Mewburn (112-5)
60 mins – Bella Sheen try, Ash Mewburn conv (119-5)