The Braidwood Redbacks played their last game of the regular season on Saturday against the Batemans Bay Boars and came away from it with mixed results.
In the sheds before the game it looked more like a doctors waiting room. The cold and flu bug that has been doing the rounds had half the side feeling rough but they were so keen to be playing at home that the feeling of just being in familiar territory acted like a special medication.
We hadn't lost at home this season and five minutes in it looked as though we would keep our record safe, with Timmy Moffitt doing the old show and go 20 metres out to score the first points of the game.
The mighty wind was pushing us down the field and we were playing some good rugby as we attacked the bay line. James Button added to his try tally as he barged over from a short range.
We were finally playing some confident rugby in both attack and defence, something that has been missing for the last couple of weeks.
We took a shot at goal when we were awarded a penalty mid way through the half and were successful, making the score 17-0 to us. It was a great to be in front but they were the last points we would score for the half and I'm sad to say, the game.
The second half could only be described as frustrating, although Seamus Allen did give us the perfect start, putting on a massive hit off the kick off to give us the ball straight after half time but that was only one of our few positives.
We just couldn't get out of our half and defending became harder and harder as every tackle sucked out that much needed energy.
Eventually the pressure tolled in the most unluckiest of circumstances. Trying to clear a kick it was charged down and the ball rolled in goal, all the boar chaser had to do was fall on it to give them their first try. This only happened midway through the second half, that is how long it took for them to score. From that moment on, the dam began to crack and no matter how hard we tried to seal the gaps the bay scored another 3 tries.
Eventually the final whistle blew on that cold winters day.
Final score Batemans Bay Boars 26 - Braidwood Redbacks 17.
It was good to see that we are back in a bit of form, especially heading into the finals. We had an up and down season, finishing 3rd behind Bombala and the Bay.
This Saturday the first week of finals will be played at the home. So come down to the Rec and throw your always faithful support behind us. We will have the first game at 1:30pm against Narooma Whales who finished 4th. The next game will be between Bombala and Bay who finished 1st and 2nd respectively.
It should be a good day for Braidwood and Rugby so I hope to see you there.
Points this week: 3 - Johnny Steele had a hard day at the office. Was left alone out in the backs to defend, sometimes more than 3 players. Did a great job in holding them up till reinforcements arrived. Saving his best form for the finals methinks.
2 - James Button scored a try and saved many others. Always on the look out to create something when nothing was on. Like Johnny I think he is a big game player and will show the comp what he has to offer this Saturday.
1 - Dave Taylor has had a quiet season through injuries but looks to be back to his tackling best. Always a relief to see him standing beside you in the line. A good line out jumper to.
Players Player - This award was split and went to two of the hardest workers on the field. John Coy and Trevor Hicks, our two props played out of their skins on Saturday, both never taking a backward step.
Thanks to our sponsors. It was good to see our Major Sponsor from Cortona at the game on the weekend. The signed jersey from the boys only shows a little of how much appreciation we have for you. Thank you all, you will be mentioned soon.
Hope to see you this weekend.
Till next time,
The Redbacks Reviewer.
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