Understaffed Redbacks lose tough fight

With half back Billy Hatzis, flanker Joel Jordon and in form prop Nathan Moffitt all out with injuries, and utility front rower Buzz McGloan away for the weekend, the Redbacks bench was down to three and many players set to take the field out of position.

The Redbacks played with the wind win the first half but failed to capitalise on the advantage and were soon defending their line with Boorowa crashing over for two quick converted tries.

The Redbacks scrum started to dominate with the front row of Ben Elliot, Luke Cumming and Josh McNamara dominating their opposition.

Unfortunately a series of scrums on the Boorowa line were forced uncontested due to one  of the Boorowa props spending time in the blood bin.

There would have been no doubt that the Redbacks would have put points on the board through a push over try. Half time saw the score at 19-0 to Boorowa.

The second half saw Boorowa take advantage of the wind and secure an early try.

This however seemed to spur the Redbacks into action and started a period of sustained pressure on the Boorowa line.

They were eventually rewarded with try in the corner to winger Terry Rea. Boorowa then started to use the strong wind at their backs by a sustained period of kicking which again put the Redbacks back into defending mode.

Boorowa then crossed the Redbacks line under the posts to take a 38-5 lead with 20 minutes to go.

The Redbacks then commenced their strongest period of the game on the back of a great Ben Howard kick against the wind which sent speedster Harry Shoemark in pursuit only to be tripped up by a Boorowa chaser which resulted in a penalty and much to the dismay of the small but vocal local crowd, no yellow card.

From this penalty the Readbacks pretty much attacked the Boorowa line for the last 10 minutes and were rewarded with a fine try to No. 8 Leland Blyton which was converted by Ben Howard for a final score of 38-12.

Three points this week went to Josh McNamara who continues to improve with every hit out as a strong running prop.

Two points went to Leland Blyton who also had his best game of the season, and the remainder of the front row of Ben Elliot, Luke Cumming and stand in hooker Nick Blackmore all received one point each.

Players’ Player went to captain Cade Graf who, after rolling his ankle at work that morning, took the field strapped up and had his usual strong game. Chick’s Pick went to centre Robbie Bell.

The Redbacks now face two tough weeks with away games to Taralga and Crookwell returning home on July 7 against Jindabyne.