Recap

Time runs out for Reds against Tuggeranong

By CHRIS GORDON

After finishing the season as minor premiers, narrowly defeating their grand final opponents just two weeks ago, and defending a three-point lead early in the second half, the Goulburn Dirty Reds succumbed to the Tuggeranong Vikings by 18-10 in the ACT first division first grade grand final on Saturday.

It was a disappointing footnote on what had been a sensational season for Goulburn, overcoming a hefty injury toll and knocking over all opponents at least once.

And despite the final score, the match was within Goulburn’s grasp at all times.

At half time, scores were level. Four minutes into the second half Goulburn was ahead by three.  And even five minutes before full-time, Goulburn only trailed by five points.

Co-coach Mikael Webber said the game played out pretty much as expected.

“We knew it would be a tight battle right to the end,” he said.

“We set ourselves the goal of grinding the match out as they were a much bigger team than us . We were set to win it in the 75th minute if we had to. We gave ourselves the chance to do that but Vikings held on and were just too good on the day and deserved their victory.”

Picking up where the semi-final left off, the match was only minutes old before the first of many kicking duels was employed, and this first one ended with a deep touch-finding kick from Vikings. Following a lineout and the first scrum of the match, Tuggeranong crossed for their first of two tries and it was apparent Goulburn would have their work cut out for them.

Goulburn returned play to Tuggeranong’s end but despite a period of sustained pressure, determined Viking defence denied any tries. The Vikings cleared with a deep kick but Goulburn’s counter set play midfield.

The contest from both sides was frenetic including some bone-jarring hits, and in attack the Reddies, particularly the tight five of Oscar Cunningham, Tim Moule, Henry Cooper, Will Mooney and Jordan Wilcox continued to drive their bodies at defenders.

While the competition in lineouts and scrums was pretty even, Goulburn had clearly put in the work at ball retention and the breakdown and regularly put together a series of phases that continued to challenge Tuggeranong.

Goulburn’s opportunities started to flow.

Midway through the first half, Josh Condylios chanced a long run up the left-hand edge and was unlucky to be pulled up short of the Tuggeranong line.

Shortly afterwards, following an earlier chip and chase by Taniela Halafihi and a Brad Clements intercept, Alec Palmer crossed for a Goulburn try and Mikael Webber’s conversion levelled the score.

Some other half-chances came Goulburn’s way. Twenty-four minutes in Eric Brown put up a bomb that almost produced a try, and a few minutes later, when the Tuggeranong scrum half was shown a yellow card, the Reds took the attacking option of a scrum twenty metres out to take advantage of the extra man, but no try was forth-coming and scores were locked at seven all at the break.

Early into the second half Webber put Goulburn ahead by three with a penalty goal. Two minutes later, Tuggeranong replied with a try and four minutes after that, a penalty goal and now, with the Vikings five points ahead, it looked like the game was slipping.

But the Reds lifted and defended stoutly and that’s where the score stayed for the next twenty minutes. At all times it looked like Goulburn was still within striking distance but five minutes from full time the Reds received a major blow when Tuggeranong stretched their lead to eight points with a penalty goal.

Even then, the Reds continued to get up off the ground and look for their opportunities, but as time ticked away the win stretched out of reach.

“Obviously losing the grand final is bitterly disappointing,” Webber said, reflecting on the season.

“We set out with a goal early on in the season and didn’t quite get there.

“The season on a whole was quite successful, only dropping two games in the home and away season, ending up minor premiers and making the Grand final while battling a number of injuries to senior players in key positions. was a great effort.

“Second grade showed plenty of promise all year but again due to some injuries just missed the finals. Whenever someone from second grade was called up into firsts the individual and the team still performed which says a lot about where the club is currently.”

The two tries to one finish was a tough one for the Reds, but it was a match in which every player dug deep. At various different times over the last couple of week, coaches and support staff have urged the players to empty their tanks and leave it all on the field, and that’s exactly what they did.

While physically Tuggeranong looked a much bigger and more formidable side, on the paddock the two teams were very well-matched. Two weeks ago, when Tuggeranong lost to Goulburn, they were left with that unsatisfying feeling that they could have won. This time it was Goulburn’s turn.

This was not a season where the Reds went through comfortably beating their opponents. It was one where they frequently had to fight hard and dig themselves out of a hole to beat very capable teams.

That work ethic was very evident in this grand final and while there can be an inclination to judge a season by a final result, coaches Jackson Reardon and Mikael Webber should be proud of a gutsy, high-achieving and very enjoyable season that brought through many new players and showcased the club’s character.

It would have been a great narrative to win a grand final in the club’s 150^th year but sport isn’t at all sentimental, even if its followers are. Now the players and supporters can focus on their presentation night, the upcoming City – Country matches at  Poidevin Oval and the 150^th anniversary reunion in October.

In another bittersweet aspect of the match, it marked the retirement of first grade manager, Gary Stephens and trainer/strapper/medico Anthony White who have filled those roles for the last 25 years.

Both Life Members, their expertise, calming influence and senses of humour will be keenly missed even if regular rubbish comments about Souths by Whitey won’t be missed at all.

Tuggeranong 18 (Tupou Lolohea, William Peace tries, Christino Manuolevao 2 penalty goals and 1 conversion) bt Goulburn 10 (Alec Palmer try, Mikael Webber conversion and penalty goal).

Photos: PETE OLIVER.