The Goulburn Dirty Reds faced a tough opponent in Canberra Uni North at Poidevin Oval on Saturday, May 31, putting up a solid fight but going down to their long-time rivals. Despite suffering seven injuries in the first half, the Reds climbed back from their seven-point deficit at halftime (14-7) to within a few points of the Canberra team in the 59th minute (19-21), after an outstanding try from Vereniki Naureure and conversion from Mikael Webber. A late converted try to Uni-Norths widened the gap, followed by another in the 70th minute, which brought the final score to 35-19 at the final whistle. Reds player Craig McKillop, who sustained a knee injury in the first half, said it was a good result against the defending premiers. "We've had some younger players come up through the club this year," he said. McKillop said players transferring back from rugby league and down from higher grades has also strengthened the team. "Our defence is certainly in a stronger position this year, and we're well-positioned to really capitalise in the back end of the season." The rivalry between the two clubs has been burning for two years, according to McKillop. "They pipped us in the grand final in 2023 and we've been trading top of the table ever since," he said. Captain Alec Palmer had a big game at inside centre, leading the side and the backline and receiving Player's Player at the end of the match for his efforts. In the forwards, Webber and Harry Newby showed outstanding skill and tenacity, running and assisting some outstanding tries through the visiting team's defensive line. The Reds' lock, Matty Cudaj, went out in the first half and was taken to Goulburn Base Hospital with a badly injured shoulder. The break over the long weekend will be crucial in bringing the injured players back to good health for the next game in two weeks - with seven players injured, the Reds were missing half a team's worth of players. The Reds plan to keep playing consistently as a unit and capitalise on their hard work leading into another home game against the Queanbeyan Whites on Saturday, June 14, according to McKillop, under the guidance of experienced coach Jack Anable.