Recap

Reserve grade run out of time against ADFA/RMC

There was a lot to like in Goulburn’s reserve grade win against RMC. In fact, more to like than not like. Unfortunately, one of the things to not like was the score.

The strong finishing Dirty Twos came within seven points of the combined ADFA/RMC second grade side to go down by 28-21.

With a number of reserve graders not at training during the week, and a few players still in their first season of adult rugby, first halves of matches are becoming de facto training sessions for the Twos to work out the bugs, and that’s where the damage is being done on the scoreboard.

Goulburn faced a 21-7 deficit at the break with Goulburn’s points from a Michael McKillop try and a Brandon Courts conversion.

The Dirty Twos struggled at times to slide in defence, and surrendered possession a few times in the first half and those points were drilled down at the half-time analysis.

There was a significant improvement by Goulburn from the break. Two more converted tries followed for Goulburn and the team grew in confidence as the game progressed but despite scoring two tries to one in the second half, RMCs strong start wasn’t able to be overturned in the available time.

The score doesn’t indicate some of the incredible work from a number of reserve graders. And while it’s hard to break into and undefeated first grade side, players like Michael McKillop, Aidan Greaves, Grant Mooney and Brandon Courts (and that’s just naming a few) are banging on the door with stand out displays week after week.

Best and fairest points went to Grant Mooney (3), Brandon Courts (2) and Peter Ward (1). Players Player was Michael McKillop.

ADFA/RMC 28 bt Goulburn 21 (Michael McKillop, Brandon Courts, Ben Naivaluvou tries, Brandon Courts 3 conversions).