Braidwood Redbacks defeated by Jindabyne Bushpigs, 20-14

Missing a number of key forwards, including Flankers Jack Ward, Tim Moffitt and in form Prop Josh McNamara and with utility back Justin Dariol still out injured the Redbacks again had to draw deep into their large squad to step up in what would be a very difficult fixture.

Robbie Bell, one of the Redbacks' most versatile players was again named at flanker, with his great ability to move between the backs and the forwards.

Jindabyne put on a beautiful sunny day which attracted a large vocal home crowd that helped the Bushpigs over the line for the first try of the match.

The Redbacks found it difficult to get into the game and let themselves down with undisciplined play, which resulted in a series of penalties against them which led to the Bushpig's second try.

The try was converted and the Bushpigs ran out to a 12-0 lead.

Coach Box Hayes then made a tactical change midway through the half with the introduction of reserve front rower Luke Cumming which proved a masterstroke as starting hooker Cade Graf moved to number eight.

Both Graf and Cumming started a series of crunching ball runs which started to open up space for the backs to move the ball creating a series of raids on the Jindabyne line and a fine try to prop Kris Anderson in the corner.

Ben Howard had his kicking boots on and converted from the side line to take the half time score 12-7 to the Bushpigs.

The second half saw the Redbacks starting strong as their talented backline began to take control of the game.

Some fine breaks from centres Jake Holland and Riley Turner started creating some holes in the Jindabyne defence and forced wingers Will Shoemark and Jacob Rose to get more involved, creating multiple raiding opportunities.

However, a lapse in concentration saw a penalty against the Redbacks in front of their goal of which Jindabyne took advantage and pressed to a 15-7 lead.

Again taking control of the game, fullback Harry Shoemark made a break and one of his trademark runs down the wing only to be pulled up short.

This set up the foundation for another attack controlled by half Kiwi Hopkins which resulted in a strong try to outside centre Riley Turner.

The try was again converted by Ben Howard which set up a grandstand finish with the Redbacks trailing 15-14.

At this point Braidwood knuckled down with the scrum and started to really dominate through the experience of props Ben Elliot and Kris Anderson, who both played the full eighty minutes.

The last 15 minutes saw both sides trying to get the advantage which opened up both defences. However, Jindabyne had the last laugh with a try down the wing in the last 30 seconds of the game leaving a disappointed Redbacks side without a fairytale finish.

Special mention goes to the second rowers Angus Sherriff, Clay Williams and flankers Sam Northcott and rookie Dan Hart who worked tirelessly all day and the usual solid contribution from front rower and team favourite Buzz Mcgloan.

Three points and Players' Player went to rangy second rower Angus Sherriff, two points to hard man Luke Cumming and one point each to Harry Shoemark and Ben Howard whose kicking game was exceptional.

A massive thank you goes out to Billy Halligan who drove the team bus and ensured the players and management got back to Braidwood safely over the Badga.

Next week sees the second of Braidwood's Friday night games with a blockbuster against the Bungendore Mudchooks. The winner of this game will be presented with the Palerang Shield, a trophy that has eluded the Redbacks for a number of years. The Redbacks would love to see a huge vocal home crowd on Friday for the 7:00pm kick off which will prove to be a blockbuster in the huge rivalry between these two clubs.