Braidwood secured the all important 2nd position on the ladder as they head into next weekends finals series. A patient and well constructed game plan saw the Redbacks claw there way back from a half time deficit
The phrase 'gutsiest win ever" isn't one to be thrown around lightly. But for those people at the Rec ground last Saturday watching the Redbacks v Batemans Bay, I'm sure it's one they would agree with.
It was the last round of the season. The Bay needed to win with a bonus point to take second place and have a chance of a home grand final. The Redbacks needed to win. The preparation for the game went well, we were lucky enough to have an ARU elite coach run over our training (thanks Andy) season, but then the dreaded Braidwood flu struck.
Tough rugby playing men were dropping off like flies with ½ hour till kick off, and we only had ten players. Half of them were injured, but we managed to get the numbers. The dressing room looked like a scene from ER.
After what has been described as a rant by a pommie, the team took the field. As expected it was ferocious from the beginning. The Bay had ten substitutes to choose from and threw everything at us.
As usual Big Moff, Dan, Sam, Haggis and Co soaked up the pressure. The backline spent the first quarter on tackling practice and after camping on our line for an eternity the Bay scored.
The Braidwood forwards took the game into their own hands, and the ball for that matter. Tight rugby and plenty of pick and drive forced the Bay into making mistakes and Brendan, who didn't look like missing slotting a couple of penalties.
The second half saw more of the same, and try as they might, the Bay couldn't get enough ball to unleash their backline, and the quality of the Braidwood forwards allowed the Braidwood backs to make yards every time. Finally the pressure told, and the point scoring machine that is Brendan got a try.
The minutes ticked by, with another penalty to Braidwood (16-10). Surely we deserve to hold on this week? We did, and unbelievably the best game we've played this season.
Next week, the major Semi final will see Braidwood V Broulee at Batemens Bay at 3pm. Do anything you can to get there as we need all the support we can get.
Do not fret, those loyal readers who are wondering about Tim Morrison's contribution ( and I know there's at least one.) It was of course immense, the cornerstone of the pack was everywhere and I'm sure I heard him in the bar claiming he'd given Brendan the ball so he could score!
Points went to 3 Dan Vardabega, 2 Brendan and Haggis, 1 Adam Hacker. Players player Adam Hacker (brilliant).
A huge thank you to the Royal Mail for looking after us and special mention to Benny and Northy, the team's nutritionists who generously ensured the boys replaced any lost carbohydrates.
See you at the Bay
Steve Northcott
RESULTS - RD 15 SAT 11TH AUGUST 2007
Bega Valley "Bulls" 17 bt Narooma & Distict "Whales" 7
A tense neighbour rivalry resulted in a number of players from both teams being sent to the sideline. Bega weathered the storm to give some confidence to the players going into the semi's next weekend in 4th spot
Broulee "Dolphins" 31 bt Ulladulla "Breakers" 19
Broulee remain undefeated for the season despite meeting a determined Ulladulla team in the final round
COMPETITION LADDER: Broulee 69, Braidwood 50, Batemans Bay 42, Bega 33, Narooma 20, Ulladulla 15.
NEXT WEEKEND - SEMI'S - All games played at Hanging Rock Oval, Batemans Bay
1.15pm Minor Semi Final - Batemans Bay vs Bega
3.00pm Major Semi Final - Broulee vs Braidwood
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