Dubbo Kangaroos have kept in touch with the top three sides in the Blowes Clothing Cup, toughing out a 29-15 win over Forbes at No.1 Oval on Saturday.
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The Roos went into the contest in fourth spot, nine points behind the Platypi and hellbent on overturning a one-point loss in Forbes back in round one.
Captain Shaun McHugh admitted after the win, which also yielded a valuable bonus point, that his side had been ready for a big performance.
“We had a lot to play for. We’re at home against a good team, it’s Ladies Day, we haven’t lost at home yet and they are a side who we want to jump on the ladder before the end of the season.
“Losing like we did back in round one hurt, but more than anything it was a good chance to get a gauge on where we are as a side. They’re last year’s grand finalists and they play tough footy.
“I thought that was our best win of the season. We played good rugby, we competed hard and we finished off our opportunities.
With a big Ladies Day crowd on hand, the hosts got off to the perfect start when, after just 37 seconds, halfback Jock Brownhill made a bust and found Billy Sing in support to open the scoring.
Eight minutes later Hamish Gordon finished off a sweeping backline move and the score was 12-0.
Forbes got back into the match with tries to captain Jack Hammond and prop Charlie French either side of a Gordon penalty goal and at half-time the Roos led 15-14.
The second half was a dour affair, with Sam Clements scoring the first try after a quarter-of-an-hour to extend Roos lead to six points.
It would remain that way until the 72nd minute when Gordon made a long run down the southern sideline before finding Sing in support, the league convert bagging his second try of the afternoon.
We played good rugby, we competed hard and we finished off our opportunities.
- Shaun McHugh
A late five-pointer to Forbes winger Henry Willis added some intrigue but ultimately Dubbo held on to win by eight points.
“We didn’t start well, and from that point on we were chasing,” Hammond lamented after the game.
“You can’t give a good team a head start, but unfortunately that’s been a common trend for us. We start slow for some reason.
“They have a big, strong pack and their outside backs make you pay. There’s not much between the two sides, and I think with Bathurst and Emus obviously we’re probably the four sides that can win this competition.”
Both sides face big tests next week, with Dubbo on the road to face Orange City at Pride Park, while Forbes will get another crack at Orange Emus when they meet in Forbes.