A GLOWING performance by Molong provided an exciting start to the GrainCorp Cup Southern Division competition in their 34-7 win over Canowindra on Saturday night.
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Stealing a swift lead, the Molong Magpies scored two tries within 10 minutes of kick-off, setting the tone for the remainder of the match.
Canowindra, however, did not go down without a fight, having Molong camped on their line for a solid 30 minutes in the first half and being awarded eight penalties during this struggle to trail 12-7 at half-time.
Magpies’ coach Andrew Hillan was impressed with his side’s cohesiveness, especially entering a big year in which the club is celebrating its 60th anniversary.
“It was a good team effort all across the park this week and great to see that all the hard work that each of the boys put in during pre-season training seems to be paying off,” Hillan said.
“Although it’s exciting to start the season with a win, it’s just a building block really ... as the old analogy goes, you don’t win grand finals in April.”
Playing under lights appeared to better suit away side Molong at the Canowindra Sports Complex following the annual Canowindra Balloon Glow.
The event attracted a crowd of approximately 10,000 and many of them stuck around to watch the game.
“It was a good atmosphere after the glow with a crowd that seemed about 2000 people in strength,” Hillan said.
After their first round win, Molong anticipates this week’s grand final rematch with Blayney to be a big game since the Rams will be after revenge for their loss in 2013.