We arrived in good time and hit the sheds to get ready to take on Milton Platypi in the Plate final. Our game was to be a curtain raiser for the Grand Final between Batemans Bay and Bermigui/Cobargo.
Wanting to finish off the season with a win, Nick Black led the boys out to a very much appreciated rousing reception.
As has happened many times this season with our kick off, our forwards met the ball just as the opposition caught it resulting in a huge hit and turnover.
From the next few plays a penalty was awarded and the shot for goal was taken giving the Redbacks an early 3-0 lead. The plan was to keep the ball in close for starters and it was working well with the forwards rolling the ball gradually down the field.
Poor discipline from Milton gifted us another penalty in the exact same spot as the first. This time we decided to chance our arm and go for the lineout. The expert throw of Kris Anderson found its mark into the safe hands of Dave Taylor and from then it was only a matter of who would score as a rolling maul surged towards the tryline. The maul was brought down a few metres short but a couple of pick and go's later Kris Anderson was diving over for his trademark five pointer and with the conversion the score was 10-0.
The rest of the half was a bit lacklustre really as the Redbacks just went through the motions and we were letting Milton into the game. The last 20 minutes of the half saw us on the back foot and defending. Our line was holding though and some good hits were being put on, Toby McLenaghan and Jake Bourne the main instigators.
It looked like we would stem the Milton tide but in the last minute before the break Milton scored a fairly soft try. Two good things came from this try though; firstly, it opened our eyes up to how flat our attitudes were and secondly was the break, so we could have a much needed rest and talk about it.
The team to come out at the second half was totally different.
Not long into the second half we were awarded a penalty in front of the sticks giving us an easy three to extend our lead. Then we were charging back up the field again and putting the pressure right on the Platypi. Blacky got through a gap to streak up the field. The backs were right on his tail and when he got tackled they tried their hand at picking and driving and were getting closer and closer to the line. Then reinforcements came when the big boys caught up and they had a dig but in the end it was the smallest bloke on the field with the biggest heart who crossed. It was fitting for Blacky to finish the play when he started it.
Now with a bit of confidence, the once risky chances were turned into brilliant plays, and we were rushing up and forcing mistakes.
Some changes were made halfway into the period in quick succession due to pre determined tactics and injuries and for the last ten minutes we were playing with a whole new outside backline, who combined perfectly in the best play of the day.
Blacky took a quick tap from 40 out, then flung a long ball out wide, and then after another it was in Seamus Allen's hands who ducked through a few defenders, then he passed off to his brother Toby who showed a lot of power to drag a few Milton blokes towards the line but he was brought down just short. A quick pass from the ruck found Nick Hutchinson who dived for the corner and finished off a great effort by all involved.
After that, it was just waiting for the final whistle which blew not long after leaving the Redbacks with a very satisfying 27-7 victory. All that was left was for Blacky to lift the Shield and that was our season come to an end.
It was a fine way to finish off what has been a disappointing season, disappointing only because we did not reach the top four, or our full potential. So once again boys, cheers for a great year and I hope to see you bigger, faster and stronger next year.
Players Player for the day was shared between Nick Black and James Royds.
For those that are interested to know Bermi beat the Bay in a nail biter 25-24.
Also, we can't forget these few: The Royal Mail, Braidwood Earth Moving, Schmit Quarrys, Braidwood Rural And Building Supplies and IGA Supermarket. Your support has been greatly appreciated.
The Braidwood Redbacks Presentation will be held at Garan Vale on the 19th of September, tickets will be available next week from the Royal Mail or see Fay Griggs.
It has been great to keep you up to date on your local rugby team this year and hopefully you have enjoyed it to.
Till next time this has been Brendan Maher, proudly reporting for the mighty Braidwood Redbacks.
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