You couldn’t have asked for a sunnier day at Poidevin Oval on Saturday, but the results were a bit less shiny for the Dirty Reds, going down to ADFA in both grades.
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In one of those games where the final score doesn’t tell you much about the contest, the score was locked up at five all with twelve minutes left on the clock, but an ADFA avalanche of tries blew out the score 31-5.
Matches against ADFA are typically tough and this was no exception. With grand final intensity, the Reds threw the kitchen sink at ADFA in the first half and were camped within ADFA’s quarter for most of the opening twenty minutes.
But ADFA’s defence was resolute. Numerous promising try-scoring opportunities were cut down by ADFA’s scrambling defence. Despite their early dominance, Goulburn had little to show for their efforts until three minutes before the break when Monty Hicks crossed the line.
That would have been a handy advantage going into the break but ADFA responded barely two minutes later with their own try to level up at 5-5 at half time.
The second half was more of the same… neither side giving an inch, neither side able to gain the ascendancy. Until the 58th minute.
ADFA’s composure and fitness eventually won through to break the deadlock. Then, having gained the momentum, they held on to it for four quick tries in rapid succession.
All in all, a tough way to finish the match for the Reds but a poignant reminder of the benchmark they have to meet.
The reserve grade match was another where the score didn’t tell the full story, only on this occasion it probably flattered Goulburn.
While ADFA won by 17-14, the Goulburn Dirty Twos struggled for cohesion and direction at times.
The Reds played like a bunch of guys who’d barely played or trained together before, largely due to being a bunch of guys who’d barely played or trained together before.
However, there was no shortage of effort and some standout performances.
Goulburn held the early lead after a Chris Boardman try which was converted by prop Jayden Hunt. ADFA replied with a try shortly afterwards before Hunt scored a try of his own which he converted (yes you read that correctly, a try-scoring prop) to give the Dirty Twos a 14-12 lead at the break.
ADFA took the lead with about twenty minutes remaining and despite some promising efforts from both sides, that’s where the score stayed.
While ADFA were deserving winners, it was a pretty impressive effort against such a strong side. Several Goulburn players made season debuts and if they can stay together and train together as a side, the sky’s the limit.