Souths 45 d Redbacks 15

It was a tough night for the Under 6s in Goulburn last Friday. Once more the teams were greeted with sub-zero blizzard conditions. Un-deterred they fronted up to each other and played their hearts out.

The Redbacks were two players short and were stretched from the outset by the fleet footed Souths attack. By half-time Redbacks were down four tries to one, but still feeling they were in the game.

Redbacks defensive pattern was generally working well, with Harry Waters and Albert Hazell covering the left flank, Pip Cairns and Josh Clarke covering the right and Adelaide Wall protecting the centre of the ruck.

The second half started well for Braidwood with Adelaide backing up a Pip Cairns break to score her first try for the season in the corner. Everybody cheered and her teams mates gave her a good pat on the back.

Pip scored a try shortly afterwards after some lovely lead up work. Albert, Josh and Harry all made several breaks but only Albert made it over the line. Souths defence was just too good on the night.

Despite the loss, it has been a highly successful season for the U6 Redbacks. In each game they have improved their teamwork and, despite some atrocious weather, have all really enjoyed their season of rugby.

The U6 Redbacks have one more game to finish off the season. I have no doubt they will approach their last game with as much enthusiasm as they did all the games this season. Well done team. Coach Peter Hazell.

UNDER 8S REPORT

As cold as. The current lesson being learnt by this group of boys who show up to fight the good fight each Friday night no matter the temp. The boys started a bit slow in -4•c Before we knew it the Reds had our measure a number of times with a new team member who has switched codes on a Friday night to bolster the Reds stocks. Wearing a number 7 on his back we were to get used to seeing him from behind as we chased him to the try line. Jono Coe lead the charge for the good guys and carved up the opposition for his first. Orlando Throsby put his frozen bones on the line again slowing that elusive 7 in his season best performance for his team who were slowing in the cold. The boys were trying hard and Fergus was passing from the ruck as we had trained with support from Brendan Lees who was trying to repeat his big effort from last week. Declan Reedy was as keen as ever wanting to be in everything. Jake Waters continued with one of his Palming runs to bring up our second. Our score ratio was 3:7 when Leroy Campbell Davies crossed for his first late in the first half. We tried to make half time as short as possible to get out of the cold sooner, but the message at the break was just tackle boys the frozen ground won't hurt too much. Their no 7 continued to punish us in the second half and when yelled at from the restart Harrison Wall did what was asked and chased the kick off into their In goal his pressure causing a fumble from the Reds and he was ready to pounce to score the try. Jono Coe put on the goose step for his second in some individual brilliance and Leroy was not to be left out forging through to record his second. But unfortunately it wasn't enough to contain that 7 who matched our tally on his own with his team mates scoring 4 more. Final score in a character building match

Redbacks 30 Reds 55. Mick Wall

UNDER 10s

Redbacks 68 V Waratahs 38

Awards for the match: Lolly Shop:   Callaum Doyle

Coaches Awards:Ned Jeffery  &  Harry Jeffery

UNDER 12S

It was the coldest night the boys have had to play in for a long time. They lent 3 players to the Brumbies to match numbers and the arm wrestle began! It was quite willing early on and points didn’t come quickly. The conditions made for a scrappy game with long passes often being fumbled. Braidwood’s forwards were dominant while the backs never stopped peppering the opposition. Harry “Rocket boots” Shoemark was again dynamic and scored all of the teams tries with Josh Story converting all in the poor conditions. Jeremy Ramm made some great tackles and breaks through the evening and earned the tacklers award. Will “The Hammer” Shoemark was at his rampaging best, getting the coaches award for the damage he created in the opposition ranks.

The boys will line up against the undefeated Rebels next week for the grand final in the 12’s fizzy reds comp. Well done boys you will get to measure the improvement in your team next Friday. You have your work cut out for you, but you can beat them if you take their space in defence; get under them with drive in contact situations; get off the ground and spread the ball to open spaces quickly. You have the heart for it! 50 minutes of sacrifice and striving will bring you a result you deserve.

I couldn’t resist including the link for Herb Brooks’ speech http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvJ4fqaYFq0 This sums it all up.

HOO HAA Redbacks! And go the 10’s... make it happen! Leave no opportunity for anything else to happen!

Score 40 -7 Tries : Harry Shoemark 5 conv Josh Story 5