After a year in the Wilderness, he's back!!!

By THE FOLKSY RED

The Goulburn Dirty Reds got off to the best start they could hope for in 2007, easily disposing of the Yass Rams in Yass. The result was good one for the first grade lads but the win for the second graders was outstanding.

The Reds have struggled for numbers at training all season until last Thursday when several players made their training debut for 2007. That hit out proved to be the key as they were to fit and far too organised for the Yass lads.

Jason 'Cosmo' Kramer had one of the best individual games I have seen. He played with ample aggression in both attack and defence. It was the kind of performance that will have most first graders on notice.

If the Reds are to win a first grade comp they will need second grade to be putting up performances like they did on Saturday. Pressure for spots is a great sign of depth, which the club has been chasing for some time.
There were a number of very talented players running on in second grade on Saturday and if that team plays more often than not they will win more often than not.

Another impressive performer on the weekend was 'Mr Yabbie of the Year' Charlie Brewer. 'Bruiser' made his debut in the front row on Saturday and the 2006 'Animal of the Year' didn't let any one down.

'Poi Poi Moi Moi' is a strongly built individual and while he isn't built like a traditional front rower he brings intelligence and cunning. He is filling a huge hole for the Reds and his hoping his form holds.

Some impressive debuts for the Reds on the weekend. 'Big Red' Jono Hart played his first game for the two Dirties on Saturday.
He looks a likely customer with some light stepping that is sure to come in handy on the dance floor at the RSL.

Speaking of debuts 'the little plumber boy' Dean Thompson made his contact sport debut on the wing in first grade, much to the disappointment of his mother Vivienne.  Viv (I hope it's ok for me to call you that) had to have thought she had protected her little boy from it, but 'LPB' defied the odds to debut at age 33.

Much to the delight of 'Big Phil' the boy goes good. 'LPB' looked dangerous in attack and solid as a rock in defence. He also received a best and fairest point for his efforts. Congratulations big dog.

Here's hoping that a certain business partner who signed a legally binding contract might locate the top left hand side of his chest some time soon and honour his word. I won't hold my breath.

Dale Backhouse had a big debut for the Dirties as well on Saturday. He was solid in second grade and then came on at fullback in first grade to score a try.  He then also made his first appearance on a bus trip for the Reds. Rumours are floating about regarding his performance on the bus but it sounds like 'Cowboy' Newby and 'Yeo Dog' Yeo took care of you well. To his parents I offer a formal apology but I have the numbers of some good lawyers if you require them.

On to the serious stuff now and the performance of the day. There were some notable performances.

It came down to two plays. The runner up is unlucky to miss out but I'm thinking it could be a new award for the club. I will go away and look for some sponsors for our new 'Harold Holt Award of excellence'.

Chris 'Shadow' Kilby is the first nomination of the year. Shadow was asked if he would like another refreshing beverage at the Soldiers Club. He responded with a 'yes, but I just have to go to the bathroom first'. The shadow wasn't to be seen again. We are appealing to the club to lock down one entry to the bathrooms. The shadow has done the old two-door trick. In one way. Out the other and gooone. Disappointing form 'Shadow'.  Sponsors.... Call me. I don't think this will be the last incident of its kind in 2007.

The winner of the first play of the day is the entertainment machine Boyd 'Fred Astaire' Newby. Consider the floor at the Soldiers club dominated. He smoked it up with many a willing dance partner.

The ladies couldn't get enough dance time with the big man as one after another queued for a chance to 'trip the light fantastic' with the light footed second rower. It was a golden performance.

Not so golden was the performance of his off-sider Anthony 'Yo-Yo' Yeo. He couldn't find a tree in a forest.  In a room full of ladies looking for a dance partner no one wanted a bar of him. He danced solo so poorly that people cheered when he eventually left the establishment. He was an embarrassment to the club, his family and himself.

I expect a formal written apology before he is allowed to play for the club again. It is time the Willie Mason clone started to look at himself.

Well that is all for this week folks. Souths are up 10-6 and I need to cheer them home. This weekend will see the Reds either host Cooma or travel to Cooma ground availability pending. Poidevin is struggling a little and the boys will have to move to Carr-Confoy if we can find some posts. Till next time. Go the Rabbits! I mean Reds.