The Fizzy Reds Under-12 development squad competed in a round robin tournament against the Seaforth Raiders from Manly, and the Batemans Bay Boars at Poidevon Oval.

A very high quality of rugby was played by all teams, with Goulburn coming away with a draw against the Raiders, and a narrow loss to the Boars.

Development squad coach, Tim Gibson, was extremely pleased with the ability of the Goulburn team.

Speaking in Cheika-like terms, Gibson said the team had “a few areas to work on in terms of skills and ball handling, but played really well today and it was a great way to finish the season”.

Gibson also took the opportunity to thank the Raiders and the Boars for travelling to Goulburn.

“The Seaforth team stayed at a local property on Saturday night, and had a great time on the farm and around the bonfire by all accounts,” Gibson said.

Goulburn Rugby Club president, Matt Klem, thanked Gibson for his commitment with the Development Squad this season.

“Tim and a few other dedicated parents have worked really hard this year to get this squad going and it was great to see the boys go so well today,” Klem said. “Tim has big plans for this squad over summer and going into season 2017, and it bodes well for Goulburn Rugby into the future.”

In July, Gibson took the boys over to Young for a gala day hosted by the Young Yabbies. They played both the local team and a team from Cootamundra.

While the Goulburn boys were unable to come away with a win from those encounters, they gained valuable competition experience against the stronger sides.

The squad continues to train in the off season to prepare them for the Under-13 competition next year.

Training is at Poidevin Oval on Thursdays, 5.30pm-6.30pm. The aim is building up their core skills and maintain and improve the players’ fitness.