Braidwood Redback’s 31-30 win was a perfect start to many future sporting events under lights at the Braidwood Recreation Ground. The largest crowd all season turned out for the spectacular event on Friday evening. Deputy Premier, Member for Monaro John Barilaro was on hand for the first rugby union game under the new led lights.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Mr Barilaro said Friday’s game under the $380,000 lights signifies a turning point for sport in Braidwood.
“New lights mean new options for sporting groups to run night games, which will resolve a number of scheduling clashes for local teams, allowing games and training sessions of an evening,” said Mr Barilaro.
“The 200 lux LED lights are powerful and economical, and serviced the Friday night game well. Importantly, the new lights reduce the amount of light spill into neighbouring properties.”
A couple of Braidwood’s more senior residents pointed to a group of young people and said that the night time sporting event offered somewhere safe for young people to meet and enjoy themselves. They said this was an important part of growing up and young people needed activities that brought them together socially.
The Bay took the lead early in the game with a fine try through the middle of the Redback’s Defence only to see the Redback’s hit back immediately with a length of the filed effort that was converted by Ben Howard.
Without elusive 5/8 Kiwi Hopkins through a knee injury, the Redbacks kept their backline moving well through the direction of veteran Tom Watson.
Captain Cade Graf continued his excellent form, with blustering runs up the middle setting the ball up for the speedy new look backline led by Robbie Bell. Half time saw the Boars leading 18-14, setting up for an exciting second half.
After the break the Boars extended their lead with another try, which was soon followed by a fine wingers try to Will Shoemark on the back of a fine guided kick from Tom Watson. The Boars added more points through a couple of penalties leaving the Redbacks 30 to 24 down and only minutes to play.
On the last attack of the game the Redbacks forwards drove the ball up the middle with half back Billy Hatzis throwing it out to the backs, which resulted in a try in the corner, bring the score to 30 - 29. Ben Howard then stepped up to kick the most important conversion of his short rugby career. The ball hit the upright, bounced down onto the crossbar and popped over.
Three points went to Luke Cumming, two to Ben Howard, one and Chicks Pick to Robbie Bell. Players player was Tom Watson.
The Redbacks want to thank the large crowd the battled the cold to support their local rugby side. Additionally we again thank the local businesses that sponsor the Redbacks that allow us to take the field each week. Special mention goes to The Braidwood Serviceman’s Club, The Braidwood Community Bank, Nova Systems, Pybar Mining and Landmark. Taking into account how far this young team has come this year, if these boys can stick together, the Redbacks could be in for huge 2019.
