Dubbo CYMS five-eighth Bayden Searle has enjoyed a stellar season and if his teammates can match his level of commitment on Sunday then the young Fishies will advance to the 2017 Group 11 under 18s grand final.
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That’s the thoughts of CYMS coach Bernard Wilson.
While CYMS’ NSW Country representative Matt Burton often claims most of the plaudits, Searle was a key part of the Western Rams’ charge to the NSW Country Championships under 18s crown and has been a vital figure for his club side all season.
Sunday’s under 18s match shapes as the best of the four preliminary finals at Caltex Park with the young Fishies meeting crosstown rivals Macquarie for the right to take on the Forbes Magpies in the decider.
“He’s our captain and natural leader just in his actions,” Wilson said of Searle.
“If our other blokes can get on board with his attitude and intensity, he never gives in. If we can follow that then it will put us in a good position.”
There’s been very little to separate CYMS, Macquarie and Forbes this year, all finished equal on 24 points after the regular season, so attitude can play a bigger role than talent come Sunday.
The likes of Searle, Burton, Jack Davis and Jackson Bonham-Phair are cancelled out by Raiders stars Jai Merritt, Blaine Gordon, Luke Gale and Kane McDermott, meaning desire can decide the preliminary clash.
“I think attitude is everything,” Wilson said.
“Between Macquarie, CYMS and Forbes it’s three really even teams and they’re all capable of winning the competition so it comes down to the team effort and the individuals to show exactly what they want and how far they’ll go to get that.”
CYMS and Macquarie met just two weeks ago in the first round of finals and the young Raiders stole victory when scoring two tries inside the final three minutes.
That sent the Fishies into an elimination minor semi-final last weekend but the youngsters in green and white passed that test, downing the Parkes Spacemen 26-18 to keep hopes alive.
“We’re in a pretty good position now,” Wilson said.
“For about a month there we were carrying some injuries and illness, that’s not making excuses, but we’re back to full strength now so there’s no excuse not to have the will to win.”
Burton has been named on the bench for Sunday’s match but is every chance to start after making his return in last week’s win.
In terms of what his side needs to shut down on Sunday, Wilson said Macquarie has threats all over the park.
He highlighted hooker Kane McDermott, who scored a double in last weekend’s loss to Forbes, as an “exceptional” player while Luke Gale and Blaine Gordon lead the charge up front.
Jai Merritt is also another of Macquarie’s stars and Wilson considered him as a dangerous player as “you never know what to expect” when the liveware half has ball in hand.
Sunday’s preliminary final derby clash is expected to kick off from roughly 1pm at Caltex Park.
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
