The Goats held on for a 17-13 victory after the Redbacks fought their way back from a 17-0 half-time deficit.

There was another blow for the Geurie side with hooker Dylan Dorin fracturing his hand, an injury that will keep him out for the rest of the season.

“It was a case of anything that could go wrong, did go wrong in the second half,” Goats coach Paul Hausia said.

“We made some silly mistakes, some silly decisions and tried a few things that didn’t work.

“Unfortunately it was a bad injury that Dylan suffered and he won’t be back this year but all the boys wish him well in his recovery.”

Conversely, the Redbacks couldn’t have been happier with the performance, even though they didn’t get the victory.

“It was a game that could have gone either way and players can be very proud of their efforts,” coach Snow Brien said.

“It was a bit of a scrappy game but we stuck to Geurie and I think we made them sit up and take notice.”

The match was the closest result for the Goats all season, other than their 14-all drew with Molong last month.

Filisione Pauta scored two tries and Moavuka Kavaefiafi one for the Goats, while Brad McCarroll scored most of the points for the Redbacks, including their lone try.

Brothers Keiran and Nathan Simpson were among the best for the Goats, along with birthday boy Harry May, while Zach McManus was heavily involved for the Redbacks, winning the lion’s share of lineouts.

Hausia said his team were impressed with what they saw from the Redbacks and they expect them to figure heavily in the finals.

Meanwhile his side had plenty of work to do after their second half performance.

“We’ve spoken about our decision making after games and that was what let us down again on Saturday. It’s something we will keep working on,” Hausia said.

“I think Wellington are a good side. They are going through a building period like we were three years ago but they have showed they can play and along with Molong, they will feature in the finals.”

The match was also Wellington’s ladies day and Brien said there was a good turnout for the occasion, despite the icy conditions.

The Redbacks will now turn their focus on an away match at Yeoval, while the Goats will travel to Trangie.

Brien said his team would carry plenty of confidence into the Yeoval game after pushing Geurie all the way.