Both sides started well with good defensive sets, until after eight minutes Young were penalised in their own half for a defensive shoulder charge. This allowed the Bulls to attack and score a converted try to lead 6-nil.

The ‘Pickers hit back after some excellent work by capitalising on a Bull’s error deep in their half. 

With the ball in their hands after a couple of repeat six tackles and a penalty to Young - centre Will Dunn was held off the ball after following his own chip kick - Young eventually scored out wide with James Cant pounced on a well-weighted kick from Ross Hewitt, making the score 4-6.

Shortly after the restart, Young was penalised for a high tackle, allowing the Bulls to attack, only to drop the ball short of scoring. 

Shaun Murphy, having his debut game for the season, turned the tide with an intercept, running 38.5 metres to score his first touch under the post.

The try was converted for the ‘Pickers to lead 10-6 with nine minutes to half time. 

Young received a penalty in the resuming set, only to drop the ball on the first tackle and immediately concede another high tackle penalty, allowing the Bulls to hit back and lead 12-10. 

Another quick try by Southcity allowed them to go to the break leading 16-10. 

The second half continued with Young turning over possession on a number of occasions, but with good defence held the Bulls out. 

Young eventually scored after some good lead up work with Ben Tamsett scoring form dummy half for a converted try 16-all score line.

 Shortly after Young missed a try with Tamsett being cut down short on the last tackle from which the Bulls held possession and with Young falling off tackles worked their way up field to score out wide to lead 20-16.

With time running out the Bulls scored a converted try to put the game out of the ‘Pickers reach to run out 26-16 winners. 

Coach Steven Shipp was encouraged by the efforts of his players.

“With more attention to final detail in a couple of key areas and the return of a couple of players, the team will very competitive,” he said.

A special thank you went to the four Under 18 players – Casey Wall, Gus Smith, Nick Schiller and Jake Baker - who stepped up and more than held their own against older opposition.

 Players Player was awarded to Jason Brown and Jacob Rose who could not be separated in their efforts 

Bring on Tumut!