The Wellington Redbacks finished their season on a high after a gallant effort that made the club president proud.
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The Redbacks travelled to Yeoval on Saturday where they secured a 36-24 win over the Eagles.
Club president, Jared Wykes, said it was pleasing to see the club step up to the mark after what has been a season plagued by player shortage.
Wellington led from the beginning of the high-scoring game, and managed to hold onto the win despite enduring injuries late in the match.
Mitch Cusack put the first points on the board five minutes in off the back of a good backline move and slide of hands.
Captain Keiran Brien was next to add to the tally, followed by Kieran Simpson in what was a dominant first half by the boys in maroon.
Tom Swainston and kicker James Cusack – who kicked five from six – also earned a try each.
“We had the lead the whole game,” Wykes said.
“I think they never got within 10 points of us but once the injuries started happening after half time the Yeoval players backed up pretty well, found some holes in our defence and a few quick tries.”
Players player was Kieran Simpson with three points, two points went to Kurt Stokes, and Morgan Kalsau and James Cusack shared in one point each.
“Morgan had a very good defensive game, he tackled his heart out the whole time,” Wykes said.
“Simpson – his defence and his attack, he never gives up, he’s just a standout all game.
“Same as Kurt – they defended well, attacked well and made quite a few line breaks.”
Wykes said while there were disappointing elements to the season such as training numbers and injuries, it is something the club hopes to improve on come 2018.
“It’d be really good to get some young ones back next year and look after them a bit,” he said.
“A lot of the older blokes are starting to fade out so we need the new ones to come through, we need to look after them.
“The boys who show up really got us through the season, without them blokes the scorelines would have been pretty devastating. As a small town you’ve got to be thankful we have the blokes to help out, especially between league and union.”
Wykes shared his appreciation to those who made the season possible, including sponsors and supporters.
“Thanks to coach Brett Conn, coaching is never easy,” he said. “And to the committee for stepping up and sticking by the players when times are tough.”