The local derby lived up to its expectations on Saturday with a hard fought win by the Bungendore Mudchooks over a gallant Redbacks side.
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The Redbacks started the better of the two sides having most of the possession in the first fifteen minutes and were rewarded with a classy try by halfback Kiwi Hopkins.
From here the Mudchooks started to play themselves back into the game and quickly responded with a breakaway five-pointer and conversion that put them in the lead 7-5.
The Redbacks settled down and started to play to their structures that they train so hard to perfect on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Unfortunately ball the ball handling was letting them down and were unable to convert strong structured lead ups into points.
Bungendore capitalised on this and crossed for two further run away tries through their speedy back line before half time.
The second half started badly for the Redbacks with Bungendore crossing for an early try off a Redbacks mistake and soar to a 24-5 lead.
However, as the second half continued, the Redbacks forwards, led by big prop Kris Anderson, started to take control of the game.
The Redbacks scrum started to dominate and with strong direction from captain Jake Holland, the forwards pick and run game started to pay dividends setting up great field position for the backs and a strong finish to the game for the Redbacks.
First Kris Anderson crossed for a forwards try off the back of a maul, then replacement halfback Justin Dariol crossed to set up the game for a grand finale.
Unfortunately for the Redbacks, time ran out, and with three unsuccessful conversions Braidwood went down 24-15. The Redbacks look forward to hosting Bungendore in late July for a Friday night game where the teams will be playing for the Palerang Shield.
Three points went to Kris Anderson, two points Cade Graf and one point to Ben "Coach" Elliot. Players' Player deservedly went to Kris Anderson who had a strong game.
Next weekend sees the Redbacks play their first Friday night game against the Batemans Bay Boars with a 7.00pm kick off.
The Redbacks are hoping for a huge crowd at the Rec Ground to enjoy a some great rugby. Additionally, as a first for sport in Braidwood, the local Radio Station Braidwood FM will be setting up their mobile studio at the Rec Ground and will be broadcasting the game live across the local region and live streaming into Batemans Bay.
The Redbacks would like to thank all its sponsors for the 2019 season, including our major sponsors Braidwood Servicemans Club, Braidwood Community Bank, Nova Systems, Mona Farm, Landmark, Braidwood Rural, The Royal Mail Hotel, Pybar Mining and Green Homes. On Saturday 1 June, the Redbacks will be holding their sponsors day from 2.00pm where we hope all sponsors can get down to the Rec Ground for some great rugby, food and drink as a big thank you for your support.
