Recap

Undefeated run comes to an end for Dirty Reds

The Goulburn Workers Club Dirty Reds’ undefeated run came to an end on Saturday, losing to ADFA by 24-15.

In their first match on Poidevin Oval since April 6, the Reds were primed for a win to see off former team-mate Dean Thompson, but the cadets had other plans for their match against the competition leaders.

ADFA provided the strongest challenge the Reds have had this season. At the breakdown, they were effective in hindering Goulburn’s momentum and in attack they tested Goulburn’s defenders.

ADFA were first on the board with an unconverted try but Goulburn responded with Matt Spratley’s 15^th try of the year to level the score.

ADFA responded with two more first half tries, and Mik Webber added a penalty goal to close the first section at 17-8.

Heavily penalised at the breakdown, the Reds found it hard to assert dominance. For their part, ADFA also struggled to dominate with the bulk of their points piggy-backing off Goulburn errors.

At half-time, Coach Ben Pearson highlighted a few areas to work on, including lack of intensity in defence and at the breakdown, and a need to counter ruck where possible.

The arm wrestle continued in the second half with neither side really rising to the fore.

Midway through the second half, captain Jordan Wilcox crossed for Goulburn. The converted try reduced the margin to just two points and Goulburn was well in the game.

Building on that, the Reds were on the attack minutes later with the ball running through the backline, but an intercept by one of the cadets reversed the run of play and an opportunist try gave ADFA the lead they would carry until full time.

It was a disappointing loss for the Reds although their position in first spot remains unchanged. Next week the Reds are back at Poidevin Oval against the Hall Bushrangers who are coming off a series of wins that has secured them a top four spot.

Best and fairest points went to Jordan Wilcox (3), Brad Clements (2), Mik Webber (1) and Matt Spratley (1). Jackson Reardon was named players’ player.

ADFA 24 bt Goulburn 15 (Matt Spratley, Jordan Wilcox tries, Mik Webber conversion and penalty goal).

The Goulburn Dirty Reds wore black armbands in all three games, and had a minute’s silence before the first grade and women’s games, in remembrance of Dean Thompson who passed away this week.

A veteran of over 60 games for Goulburn, Dean was a devastating defender, a respected team-mate and a game breaking player, but more importantly he was a loving husband, father and friend. Taken way too early, he is acutely missed by his loved ones.