RUGBY UNION
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DID last Saturday’s Blowes Clothing Cup colts result at Pride Park usher in a changing of the under 20s guard in Orange?
After sweeping the City-Emus derbies on their way to dominance of the Central West Rugby Union colts competition the last two seasons, the Lions suffered a somewhat shock 32-19 loss against the greens in the first of the four local derbies played at Pride Park last Saturday.
It’s the first time in a long time Emus colts coach Murray Reay can remember his club getting the upper hand on their cross-town rivals, a side that’s claimed the last two colts premierships.
And Emus didn’t just limp over the line either.
“We thrashed them,” Reay said.
“I don’t think there’s any real stand-out in the side, each player compliments the other and there’s no real weakness in the squad.
“The guys on the bench are as fit as the guys on the field.
“We’ve been extremely lucky to have a few ex-players come in and help the team this year. Shane Udy was with us all week leading into the derby ... I think it’s important to make use of the talent we have at the club.”
In a brilliant team performance highlighted by a willingness to run the ball, Emus were best served by halfback Joel Goff, winger Jake Roberts and the impressive duo of Jayden Norris on the flank and Jayden Brown at five-eighth.
All four will have to be on their game again this week as well.
The third-placed Emus travel to Ashwood Park to tackle the undefeated Bathurst Bulldogs colts side, and Reay was hopeful last weekend’s 13-point victory over City would help springboard their 2015 campaign.
“It’s going to be another tough game but we’ve gained plenty of confidence from last week’s win,” he said.
Orange City will look to get their colts campaign back on track when the Lions head to Northparkes Oval to tackle the Boars on Saturday.
