It wasn’t necessarily a game the Dubbo Kangaroos enjoyed but it was one which helped the side take another big step towards making this season’s Blowes Clothing Cup finals.
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A devastating 72-5 win over Orange City, combined with Cowra’s loss and Forbes’ draw, meant the Roos jumped back into third spot on Saturday.
Roos skipper Shaun McHugh confessed his side didn’t take a whole lot of joy from utterly outclassing a City side which, despite being part of a proud club, has had all sorts of issues this season.
However, as the old saying goes, you can only play what’s in front of you and the Dubbo side’s attack shone at a cold Pride Park.
“Against a team that’s struggling you can sometimes start well and then taper off in the second half but we maintained our dominance and point-scoring ability,” McHugh said.
You can sometimes start well and then taper off in the second half but we maintained our dominance.
- Shaun McHugh
“We set up some plays and unfortunately because of City’s lack of depth, numbers of training and cohesion this year, on the third or fourth phase we would make easy breaks.
“But we had to work hard all game.”
The win also means the Roos’ finals hopes are in their own hands now, with even just one win from the final two rounds likely to be enough to seal a place in the finals.
The return from injury of Jock Brownhill made a huge difference for the Roos on Saturday and he offered another point of attack outside the halves pairing of Pat Berryman and Hamish Gordon.
Gordon, again in the number 10, directed his side around and his kicking game played was vital as the Roos’ got into attacking range time and time again.
“With Jock at 15 we’ve got two playmakers with great vision,” McHugh said of the fullback and flyhalf.
“Hamish got us in range and Jock positioned himself where he wanted to be. It’s been a great move having him at fullback.”
While the win was the Roos’ biggest of the season, there is still the slight frustration the side hasn’t won back-to-back games this season.
With games against top teams Bathurst Bulldogs and then Orange Emus in the two final rounds, McHugh knows knows this would be the golden time to string some wins together.
Given the closeness of this season’s finals race, each of the Kangaroos, Cowra Eagles and Forbes Platypi are firmly in the running for the third and fourth spots.
“If we could knock over Dogs and then Emus then we’d go into finals with our tails in the air and some momentum,” the captain said.
“We’re excited by the challenge. To win the competition you’ve got to beat good teams and we’re keen for it.
“We’ve got to step up and the good thing is our destiny is now in our hands.”
The Roos play host to both Bulldogs and Emus in the final two rounds.
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.
