On Saturday Cutters travelled to Wagga to face Wagga Reddies.

By Hugo Fraser

With many players out, it was a very different Cutters side that took to the field, with most playing out of position. Hay just scraped through to make a 15-man team. 

On the muddy oval, Cutters did what they did best and found their feet, and patiently chipped away at the much more reinforced Reddies side.

Hay Cutters put the first points on the board when Will Brown crossed the line after rolling phases from the forwards. 

With Harry Agar away, Brownie was also the conversion kicker for the day, converting his own try. 

Reddies were far from out, and they hit back, to score. At half-time the score was 7-5 in the Cutter’s favour. 

With no reserves to call upon, the muddy 15 men returned to the field in the second half and gave it their all. 

Will Brown again crossed to take the lead out to 12-5. 

Reddies pelted the Cutters line non-stop for 15 minutes. Unfortunately for Reddies the Cutters defensive line refused to give an inch, even when star forward Sam O’Leary was removed from the field with a deep gash to the head. Unable to replace Sam, the Cutters fought the final 10 minutes with 14 players. 

A god’s grace was given with a full arm penalty to Hay, which was used to convert into three points taking the lead to 15-5 giving some breathing room. 

The Reddies again hit back and scored, bringing the match to a close 15-12. 

With the game victory in the balance, and the referee not doing any favours for Hay, a gripping final five minutes play ensued. 

It was a stoic effort from the Cutters to hold Wagga out in their 20 metre line, to see the game out and take the win. 

Coach Ed Lilburne said he was incredibly proud of the effort, considering the days circumstances and the reserves that stepped up on the day and gave it their all. 

Notable mentions were Jack Shand, who moved from wing to centres, and put on his biggest defensive effort to date. 

The experience of James Harrison saw the two combine to shut down Reddies centres. 

Angus Know and Tom Charlton manned the wing, demonstrating a mighty effort in what was an extremely difficult day out wide. 

Fill in players Sam and Tray helped the forwards out - big time - with enthusiastic and damaging ball running. 

James Lott nursed a shoulder injury, and drove all the way from Yass to make sure the Cutters weren’t short of players. He braved a full game in the forwards. 

Final score: Hay Cutters defeated Wagga Reddies 15-12 (Tries: William Brown 2. Conversions: William Brown 2/3) 

Match Points: Anthony Toscan 3, James Harrison 2, William Brown 1. Players player Sam Hooper.