This week saw the Lightning Ridge Redbacks start their campaign for the 2010 Barwon Darling Cup. Round one kicked off at 11.30am on Saturday morning at Spider Brown Oval.
Under 14’s
With the Collarenebri Bulldogs fielding good numbers the Redbacks looked a bit concerned but that was before the whistle went.
Soon after the Redbacks went into attack mode scoring within minutes.
They were full of confidence and on a roll, scoring again and again.
However the Bulldogs stood up and began their own little run with some individual brilliance and some classic tries due to poor defence from the Redbacks.
After half-time the Redbacks had the lead and assumed it would be an easy win from there as they continued scoring; however, their defence kept letting them down as the Bulldogs got a sniff and ran with it coming home strong in the latter part of the half.
Straight running and heart saw them take the lead from the Redbacks and go on to win 44 points to 36.
Bulldogs 44: Tries to Willy Lamb 3, Carl Mason 2, Travis Brazier 2, Lachlan Peters 2, David Cunningham 1 and Dustin Peters 1.
Redbacks 36: Tries to Jacob Borkovic 5, Nathan Dean 2 and Aaron Collins 2.
Under 17’s
The Lightning Ridge Redbacks Under 17’s were geared up for the match against the Collarenebri Bulldogs for the first game of the season.
With the crowd building both teams entered the field pumped up for a win.
Good weather and a good atmosphere saw the game get underway and both teams did not disappoint, showing the crowd some big hits early on.
As the first half settled down and both teams relaxed into their game plans along came the tries and in spectacular fashion, which saw the crowd on their feet on several occasions.
It was a very entertaining game as both teams exchanged points leading into the break with the Redbacks just getting the upper hand.
The second half saw the Redbacks step up a notch which showed the Bulldogs what they were missing - fitness - as the try fest continued.
However the Bulldogs would not lie down. They had their own phases of inspiration, scoring several times. It seemed that every time the Redbacks made a mistake the Bulldogs pounced.
In the end it was the Redbacks who were victorious winning 48 points to 34.
Redbacks 48: Tries to Duke Dean 3, Maria Nagy 2, Jordan Fazeldeen 2, Josh Webb 1 and Zac Mcanally 1. Goals: Duke Dean 6.
Bulldogs 34: Tries to Matt McGregor 3, Zoran Mason 3 and Graham Morris 1. Goals: Travis Brazier 2, Ian Murray 1.
First Grade
In first grade the Redbacks met the Goodooga Magpies.
After some last-minute changes due to injuries from last week’s pre-season cup carnival and departed players the Redbacks came out of the dressing room with a good line-up.
Kick-off was late but this did not stop both teams from putting on an entertaining game.
The Redbacks drew first blood with a try to Billy Morris after the Magpies dropped the ball from a backline move.
Confidence was building after the try but was soon stopped when Goodooga got a try after some strong running.
It was not long afterwards when tragedy struck the Redbacks with Nick Lohse breaking his wrist which immediately put a dampener on the rest of the game.
The Redbacks lost their confidence and the Magpies took control running in more tries.
Melvyn Sammuelsson fixed up the scoreboard with a try before half-time for some respect but the Redbacks were looking forward to the break.
In the second half the Redbacks came out firing.
There was some strong running from Wayne Kennedy and John Brogan, who each gave 100 per cent, but poor defence saw Goodooga score more tries.
Nathan Walford stepped up to the challenge to score the Redbacks’ second try for the day but again poor line defence from the Redbacks saw Goodooga score just prior to full-time winning the game 36 points to 26.
Goodooga 36: Tries to Cameron McDonald 2, Patrick McDonald 2, Geoffrey Johnston 2 and Guy Shillingsworth 1. Goals: Cameron McDonald 2 and 1 each to Kevin Hooper and Gavin Johnston.
Redbacks 26: Tries to Melvyn Sammuelsson 3, Nathan Walford 2 and Billy Morris 1. Goals: Beau Seaton 1.
This week will see the Redbacks travel to Brewarrina on Saturday. The bus will leave at 8.30am from Nobbies.
The following week will see the Redbacks back home to host the Walgett Dragons.
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