On Sunday July 22, Goulburn’s under 18s Bulldogs demonstrated why rugby league has a bright future in the city. The young side comprehensively defeated Gungahlin Bulls 40 to 18 at the Workers Arena.
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The game was played in blustery conditions making it difficult for kickers to hit the target, particularly from out wide.
Garry Roberts was the first of the Goulburn try scorers and his points came with just under 20 minutes left in the first half. Tom Menzies was next to cross the line and he was able to ground the ball closer to the posts giving Mitch Atkinson line for a successful conversion.
Brayden Boyt brought the score to 14 to nil but again the conversion attempt was off line.
Angus Marshall added another four points which was well placed for Mitchell Atkinson to convert bringing the half time score to Goulburn 20 to Gungahlin nil.
In the second half Goulburn found themselves defending a little harder but with 25 minutes left in the game Tom Menzies crossed the line for the second time in the game to push the score out to 24 points to nil.
Christian Moss was next to add to the Bulldogs points and this time Ryan Dodson converted to give Goulburn a 30 point to nil lead.
With 20 minutes left in the game Gungahlin’s persistence paid off with David Williams taking the ball over the Goulburn line and setting up for the successful conversion.
Williams was over again with just under 14 minutes left in the game and again the try was converted. the score was now Goulburn 30 and Gungahlin 12.
Goulburn’s Tommy Whittaker stormed over the Gungahlin line out wide scoring his first try for the 2017 season. It was unconverted.
Gungahlin answered back with a third converted try. The Goulburn defence was slipping as Gungahlin applied up the pressure.
Joey Roberts was the final Goulburn player to cross the Gungahlin line and with Mitchell Atkinson converting the final score was Goulburn 40 to Gungahlin 18.
On Saturday, July 29, Goulburn 18s travel to O’Connor to play the Belconnen United Sharks at 11am. The home side is placed 9th on the ladder but Goulburn who are determined to keep their position in the final four needs to win this game.
The following week Goulburn has a bye and on Sunday August 13 they play Yass Magpies at the Workers Arena in the final round before the finals.
Darryl Fernance
Photojournalist at the Goulburn Post
Photojournalist at the Goulburn Post
