Recap

Dirty Twos make a stand in narrow loss

The Dirty Twos have one two games this year but in some respects this loss was even better.

Yep, it doesn’t make sense. You just had to be there.

ADFA beat Goulburn by 31-26 but Goulburn were anything but “beaten” in easily their best defensive performance of the year.

It was also the most cohesive game the reserves have put together. All the elements came to the fore. Better options, better decisions, better passes, better defence.

ADFA tested Goulburn every which way, but the Dirty Twos responded in kind. Goulburn held the lion’s share of position in the second half but ADFA to their credit repelled numerous phases from just outside their line.

Goulburn was still charging on the line when time ran out, and while ADFA’s win was well-deserved, Goulburn was in it right up until the end. Quite fittingly, both sides were full of praise for each other after the game, having experienced one of those bookmark games they won’t soon forget.

Best and fairest points went to Grant Mooney (3), Michael McKillop (2), Chris Boardman (1) and Aidan Greaves (1), with McKillop also named Players’ Player.

ADFA 31 bt Goulburn 26 (Aidan Greaves 2, Corbie Yeo, Michael McKillop tries; Aidan Greaves 2, Chris Boardman conversions).