Dubbo CYMS coach Paul Yeo was slightly surprised by his side's performance in the opening round of the Western Under 21s competition but he still wants to see more from the Fishies this weekend.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
After a strong 24-4 win over Forbes in last week's first round, CYMS welcome Bathurst St Pat's to Apex Oval in another double-header on Saturday.
The Fishies were strong through the middle and in defence in their opener so the next step is to produce a little more expansive play.
"I was really pleased and they showed a little more cohesiveness than I thought they might so that was really good," Yeo said of the Forbes win.
"With this being another week there should be a little more cohesiveness and we'll look to open up a little more on the edges and get them a bit more involved.
"We've been training for a few weeks now so we're getting a few different plays involved."
READ ALSO:
St Pat's also caught the eye in round one as they ran out commanding 38-8 winners over Orange CYMS.
CYMS and St Pat's were two of the best sides - behind premiers Forbes - in last season's Western Youth League under 18s competition.
A high-quality contest is again expected on Saturday and the presence of former Group 11 players Cooper Neilson and Aaron Mawhinney in the Pat's side adds some extra spice.
"We think they're right up at the top of the competition and while we're happy with our squad we know their's is very good as well," Yeo said.
If CYMS are to make an impact against Pat's and get in a position to use their outside backs then the forwards will again need to set the platform.
New arrival James Stanley impressed in his CYMS debut last weekend while Tom Stimpson continues to make great strides as captain and in his new position.
"Tom Stimpson as captain has really grown into that role," Yeo said.
"He's more vocal than I'm used to him being and he's come on in leaps and bounds and at lock he's moving the ball well, which he didn't have to do out in the second-row.
"All aspects of his game are improving and it's a real plus to see him take on that (captaincy) role."
As for Stanley, his role is a simple one.
"He's a good motivator and has spoken to some of the young guys," Yeo said.
"Obviously he's very good at his critical role of taking the ball forward and dominating in defence so we'll look to continue that.
"Hopefully we can play similar to last week and we're looking to go up another step and he's a big part of that."
Yeo works with a squad of 23 and he said maintaining rhythm while changing lineups throughout the match is also an area his side is working on.
CYMS meet St Pat's from 4.45pm on Saturday before the Macquarie Raiders take on Orange CYMS at 6.15pm.
Woodbridge takes on Forbes at Manildra in the weekend's other match.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News