Braidwood Redbacks defeat Bungendore Mudchooks to claim Palerang Cup

It was also the Redbacks' third win from three games in Friday night matches, in front of large, boisterous Braidwood crowds.

The Redbacks started the game the better of the teams and were soon rewarded with a strong try to outside centre Riley Turner.

The lead was short lived though with the Mudchooks working their way into the game and were soon over for their first try.

With the conversion successful the Mudchooks continued to attack and were soon over for their second try taking the score to 12-5 with signs looking ominous for the Redbacks.

However, as the they have done so often this season, on the back of some strong words from coach Box Hayes, the Redbacks knuckled down and started to work their way back into the game.

They were soon rewarded with a strong forwards try to vice-captain Cade Graf and soon after resulting from a sleek backline move, winger Jacob Rose went over in the corner. Half time was called with the Redbacks leading by 17-12.

The second half started as the first ended with the Redbacks' backline starting to throw the ball around with some pinpoint passing from Justin Dariol through five eight Ben Howard to centres Jake Holland and Riley Turner.

Subsequently the Redbacks were over again with Ben Howard hitting the line hard and taking the score to 22-12.

The Redbacks were now playing freely around the park showing all the skills and manoeuvres that they have worked so hard to hone at training this season.

This led to the pinnacle point in the game when striking second rower Clay Williams made a break 45 metres from the Mudchooks line.

With his blond locks flying freely I the breeze, the Warwick Capper lookalike mesmerised the Mudchooks defence with his ducking and weaving through their ranks and scored his first ever try for Redbacks.

As he walked back from the try line with his team mates in a frenzy, Clay subsequently saluted the adoring crowd.

Kiwi Hopkins and a number of fresh legs from the strong bench were then injected into the game to introduce some additional flair and not to be outdone, centre Riley Turner notched up his second five pointer which took the score to 34-12.

The Mudchooks then went over for a consolation try with the Redbacks wrapping the game up with a second try to Ben Howard which he converted to take the final a score to 41-17.

Three points went to Justin Dariol, two points to Clay "Warwick Capper" Williams and one point to Ben Howard. Clay was deservedly voted Players' Player.

This Saturday afternoon at the Rec Ground sees the Redbacks play their last game of the season against the Bateman's Bay Boars.

This game will also be the last for big front rower Luke Cumming who has been a stalwart for the club for the last three years.

Luke joined the Redbacks in our introduction back into the South Coast Monaro competition in 2017 and has be instrumental in the growth of our culture both on and off the field.

Luke's retirement from rugby union is based on a battered body and growing work commitments, and it will leave a huge hole in our side. He will be surely missed next season.

The Redbacks would love to see a huge crowd at the Rec Ground this Saturday afternoon to give Luke a fitting farewell with a win over the Boars.