WHEN Steve Hamson talks, people listen.
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The Orange City coach was the man behind the Lions’ 39-match unbeaten run, which lifted the club to the 2012 and 2013 Blowes Clothing Cup titles.
He has also held supporting roles for international teams such as Samoa, Japan and last year, the British and Irish Lions when they toured Australia.
His rugby brain and experience is arguably unmatched by any coaches in the Blowes competition.
So asked on Saturday after the Lions’ 45-0 demolition job on Mudgee Wombats at Jubilee Oval what he thought on the competition new boys, the rugby connoisseur had some wise words.
“Their [Wombats] set plays were good, their line-out function and scrums were good,” Hamson said.
“I think they lacked a little bit of experience and if you take the time away from them they get a little bit lost.
“Things are happening a little bit faster, but as they get fitter they will get better.”
The Wombats have conceded 233 points in five games at an average of 47 points. They have scored 37.
Although the statistics are horrible it was kind of expected considering they have played in the second tier Central West Rugby Union competition for six seasons and lost several of their senior players including Adam Rayner, Dusty Elsom, David Smith and last year’s skipper Rob Thraves.
Wombats coach Justin Sutherland said it has been a big step up for his troops but he can’t fault their effort.
“The honest truth is most of the games have been really quite competitive,” Sutherland said.
“I haven’t been disappointed with any of the games considering the personnel.
“I guess we are getting fitter but so is our opposition. “In general, I feel we have been at the same level and I haven’t been displeased with any of the matches so far.”
Mudgee hosts Bathurst Bulldogs at Jubilee Oval this Saturday in what is promising an intriguing match-up.
Bulldogs haven’t won away from home this season while Mudgee are searching for their maiden win for 2014.