The first-grade side went down 41-11 whilst second grade scored a well deserved 36-26 win.

In an entertaining game that saw the lead change on three occasions, the Yabbies reserve grade held on for a hard-fought 36-26 win. A positive start from Young saw an early mistake from Cooma collected by Charlie Bryant who off-loaded for Maher to score. Good pressure from the Yabbies forwards coupled with some fine attacking moves from the backline had Cooma on the back foot for much of the first half. 

Although Young were the dominant side in the first half and rarely allowed Cooma into their half it was a different Red Devils side that came out after the break. They contested strongly and should have scored early but for a try saving tackle from everywhere man Charlie Bryant. Young rallied and fine work by the forward pack was rewarded with tries to Tom Kent and Ethan Richens to seal the win.

Jack ‘Beastie’ Everdell picked up three points and players player, Charlie Bryant two points and Mitch Trinder one point (P Maher 1, E Richens 1, H Kaveney 1, T Kent 2 tries, P Maher 4 conv, 1 penalty).

First grade: In a game of differing halves, the Yabbies first-grade side were outplayed in the first half conceding five tries to two penalty goals for Cooma to lead at the break 27-6.

Although the forwards were competitive and all over the Red Devils pack, Young were unable to compete with the blistering pace of the Cooma backline and the tries flowed. A half-time rev up from Coach Shane Botham saw a different Yabbies side compete in the second half as they pressed the Cooma line with strong forward play. Young continued to apply the pressure but penalties at crucial times let the opposition off the hook. Injuries were also hurting the local side with James Maloney, Ross Everdell, Will Munday, Ethan Richens and Mitch Trinder all side-lined.

Coach Botham was pleased with the second half effort and praised the efforts of the players who played two games on the day. He said the Yabbies communication in the second half was great and the commitment was outstanding by never giving up. 

“Effort is not enough to win games, you need attitude and whilst we didn’t win we showed tonnes of attitude and character,” Botham said.

Hamish Kaveney was outstanding earning him three points and players player, Matt Reid two points with Pete Maher and Will Moncrieff one each. (M. Hudson try, P. Maher two penalty goals). Next Saturday the Yabbies take on Gungahlin at Cranfield Oval