The Braidwood Redbacks fell victim to a rampant Batemans Bay Boars side last Saturday, as the home side romped to a 60-17 victory at Hanging Rock Oval.
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The Redbacks have enjoyed an improved season in 2019, with new players and a new coach bolstering the numbers, but the ever-mercurial Boars team proved too much.
The scoring began early, when Batemans Bay's Cory Maddison crossed for a try in the tenth minute.
He was followed by teammate William Thomas at the 20 minute mark, before Jacob Rose and Justin Dariol responded for Braidwood to bring the Redbacks back into the game.
Two more tries and a penalty goal to the Boars saw them take a 34-17 lead at half time, which would also mark the end of Braidwood's scoring.
For the rest of the match, the Redbacks fought to keep the Boars off their tryline. While it was successful to a point, Batemans Bay still put on another 24 points before the match was over.
The loss puts Braidwood at seventh on the ladder, with two wins and three losses from its five fixtures so far.
Though it is not a strong position, the season is far from over for the Redbacks. One of their two wins came over long-time finals competitors, the Crookwell Dogs, in round two, proving that they have what it takes to compete with the best.
However, the next hurdle Braidwood will need to overcome is the upcoming Queanbeyan-Palerang derby, against the Bungendore Mudchooks this Saturday afternoon.
The Mudchooks are fifth on the ladder, two spots above Braidwood, and also have two wins for the season, but with a better points percentage.
It will prove to be an interesting battle at Mick Sherd Oval in Bungendore, as the Mudchooks are looking to reclaim the highs of last season in which they made the grand final, while the Redbacks will aim to continue their improvement and climb up the ladder.
Despite its loss to the Boars last weekend, Braidwood will soon have the chance to redeem itself when they play the Boars in Braidwood in round eight.
The Redbacks will take on the Bungendore Mudchooks from 2.30pm on Saturday May 18.