Although the Braidwood Redbacks and the Bungendore Mudchooks have played once before, on Saturday afternoon they played for the Palerang Shield. What a great start to the season with the Redbacks fielding a new look 'younger' team, led by the experienced Mark Holland.
Despite the heat the game started at a furious pace with plenty of go forward from an enthusiastic pack of newcomers. Nick Roberts, Nathan Moffit and Mouse leading the way.
It wasn't long before Bryce, revelling in his promotion to the forwards, crashed over the line.
Great pressure from the backline led by Brendan Maher, and Nick Black tackled and ran hard all day, forced a clearing kick from the Mudchooks only to see Braidwood's captain charge it down and score.
Spurred on by a great crowd the Redbacks threw everything at Bungendore. Tim Moffitt and Adam Dixon controlled the pack and the new lads, Ferret and Adam backed by Chris Bowie created havoc out wide.
Final score 15 - 5 to Braidwood. An awesome start to the season and sign of things to come.
The points went to 3 Bryce, 2 Brendan and Ferret, 1 Chris Moffit. Players player was extremely close with Adam Hacker, Nick Roberts and Tim Moffit locked in a tie with Brendan winning by one.
The Shield was donated personally by the Mayor of Palerang Jim Maclachlan who watched the game in his kilt, straight from the heritage day celebrations.
The team wished to thank the Mayor for his kind donation and Gary Collard for organising the local Palerang battle that will become an annual event.
Contributed by Steve Northcott
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