RUGBY'S Mitch Bower says his side's slow start to the season is of no concern as they prepare to take on competition leaders Newtown at Lady Cutler 2 today.
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The defending premiers currently sit third but have Macquarie and South Dubbo hot on their heels, making today's one day fixture an important one but Bower said there is no worries in his camp.
"We still back ourselves to beat anyone in the competition," he said.
"We're not really phased by who we're playing, we'll just turn up and stick to our gameplan so that won't change."
Rugby have been dealt a huge blow with star opening bowler Ben Patterson now departed for Hawkesbury and the Sydney Grade Competition and with the season entering a crucial period Western representative Bower admits a number of players are going to have to cover the spearhead's loss.
"You've got to keep winning now or you're gone but we're not going to change anything," he said.
"We've lost 'Patto' now and that's a big loss but that's the only change so we need to find something to lift us there and help us get that big win.
"Everyone is going to have to pick up a bit because 'Patto' was our strike bowler."
Ben Taylor now becomes an even more important figure while the likes of Blake Watmore, Jacob Bruce and Zac Murphy will have to step up to help cover the loss of Patterson.
Today is also a big match for Newtown with the Tigers looking to bounce back from their loss to Souths in the final round before Christmas.
Mat Skinner's men will be all to aware that a loss today, coupled with a Colts win over CYMS, could see their lead at the top of the ladder cut dramatically.
Skinner, his brother Steve, and Wayne Dunlop have starred with the bat so far but Bower admits there's more to the Tigers lineup than just those three.
"Getting those three early will set us up because they tend to do a bit of damage but Dan Holland is a good bat too and can bat all day so we've got to look to get him as well," he said.
Today is only the second time one-day matches have been played this season and Bower said more of a focus in the field will be needed.
"There's less time so you can build pressure in the field with dot balls and fielding well will really benefit you," he said.
"Fielding and bowling will win you as many matches in this format as good totals."
Today's match begins at 1pm.
