A second half fight-back was not enough for the Warwick Gardens Galore Redbacks to claim the points in their AFLQ Darlings Downs match against Goondiwindi Hawks at Goondiwindi on Saturday.
After a disastrous start they fought back going down 9-7: 61 and 3-5 (23).
It doesn’t seem to matter the football code, a road trip to Goondiwindi is always a tough trip.
On Saturday, the Redbacks to Goondiwindi for their round nine clash with the Hawks on and it was a tough day at the office.
The Redbacks started the game positively with plenty of possession and created scoring opportunities however it was the Hawks who kicked the opening goal and went on to take an 18 point lead into the first break. 3-2: 20 – 0-2: 2 quarter.
The Hawks dominated the second term kicking three goal and four behinds and not allowing the Redbacks many scoring opportunities. (6-6:42- 0-3: 3)
After some soul searching at the main break the Redbacks came out with a different mindset and game plan. Their defenders pushed forward, and the forwards moved to defence. The change had an immediate impact bringing Shane Isles into his own. He responded kicking three goals. Cory Buhagiar showed some excellent defensive skills in the backline.
The Redbacks finally had the scoreboard ticking over but at the end of the quarter trailed Goondiwindi by 38 points (9-7:61 – 3-5:23).
The Redbacks were in the contest across the ground and did create scoring opportunities throughout the game. In the final quarter however, they could not buy a goal, kicking seven behinds.
Their inability to find a goal translated to a loss on the scoreboard as the Hawks nailed their win with one goal in the final quarter. The final score Hawks 10.7.67 – Redbacks 3-12-30)
Jack Drewery his best game of the year earning the Redbacks players player award. Shane Iles and Andrew Bardsley linked up well in the backline and provided strong forward options in the second half.
The Redbacks have a bye this weekend and return to Warwick Credit Union Oval on 2 July when they will play Coolaroo.
