Blowes Clothing Cup 2018: Dubbo Kangaroos return to form with resounding win over Orange City

After weeks of inconsistency and close-fought matches the Dubbo Kangaroos clicked into gear in Saturday’s Blowes Clothing Cup clash with Orange City.

The Roos dominated the contest at No. 1 Oval, running out 59-7 winners in a convincing display.

For captain Shaun McHugh, the performance was at the level the club demands following a disappointing display against Cowra last time out.

“It was a better performance than last week. We worked a lot at training and put the work in and it paid off,” he said.

“It just clicked. There was nothing too different but we just played with more intensity and purpose.

“Right across the park we stepped up. None of us were happy with it (last week) and we made each other accountable and stood up and gave it a good crack.”

Jock Brownhill’s switch from scrumhalf to fullback proved a masterstroke as he put in a commanding performance and finished as man of the match, while teenage number nine Pat Berryman also did a fine job directing his side around at No. 1 Oval.

Anthony Golding also caused havoc on the wing while the forward pack, led by the front row of Johnny Mafiti, Ned Williams and Reuben Williams, set the tone.

“Jock proved he can play anywhere, he was our best on ground, and Patty has got the class to do a job,” McHugh said.

“He could play in the number nine for the next 10 years if he wanted, he’s that good.”

The defensive effort was also a committed one, the Roos not making the same mistake as they did earlier in the season when they led City at half-time only to get run down in the second stanza.

While the bonus point win was one of the Roos’ best of the season so far, the one negative on Saturday was a particularly cruel one.

In what has already been an injury-hit campaign, the Roos look set to lose the versatility and experience of Brad Pugh for a extended period, potentially the season, after he injured his knee.

“Pughy was playing great but got injured and it looks like it might be an ACL,” McHugh said.

“If it is, that’s the club’s fifth this season so fingers crossed the scans come back looking positive but the initial report at the ground wasn’t good.

“Losing his ability and leadership would be a big blow because he’s the kind of player opposition teams earmark before a game.”

The general bye next week is welcomed by the Kangaroos but the challenge now is to repeat the performance against City regularly.

The Roos, back in third on the ladder, are yet to post successive wins this season and face a massive test after the bye with consecutive away games against the top two sides, Bathurst Bulldogs and Orange Emus.

Cowra’s shock win over Orange Emus on Saturday has the Eagles on 18 points, just three off the Roos, while the Forbes Platypi are just a point further back in fifth.

The Roos trail second-placed Bulldogs by seven points, while Emus remains four points clear at the top.