Considering how badly Orange CYMS dismantled Bathurst St Pat’s in the major semi-final, coach Scott Sullivan says his side’s biggest task leading into Sunday’s grand final rematch is a mental one.
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Be confident, but do so without becoming complacent.
The green and golds ran rampant against the Saints a fortnight ago, romping home 40-14, but a grand final is a different kettle of fish though Sullivan says.
“They’re one-offs, aren’t they. Every team is dangerous in a grand final and St Pat’s are a very good side,” he explained.
“That’s not to say we aren’t confident, we’re very confident, we just have to make sure we don’t go into the game overconfident.”
Sullivan said his troops’ performance on the training paddock over the last fortnight suggests that won’t happen though.
“They’ve trained very well, Wednesday night’s session was the best we’ve had all year I think,” he enthused.
Of course, like in any game, CYMS will face a physical challenge against the burly Saints side too.
“St Pat’s have very strong forwards and in any game you have to win that first battle up front to earn the right to play some footy,” Sullivan said.
“That’s the first goal, winning the first battle through the middle. St Pat’s do have some strong edge players too though, so it’ll be a big task overall.”
Sunday’s under 18s grand final kicks off at 11.30am.
- ORANGE CYMS: 1 Nathan Swain, 2 Lincoln Monk, 3 Ethan Kennedy, 4 Lindsay Thurgate, 5 Mitch Collins, 6 Craig Tarr, 7 Josh Board, 8 Hudson Spicer, 9 Sam Warner, 10 Tyrone Harrison, 11 Hugh Gibson, 12 Jack West, 13 Ethan Monk; Bench: 14 Mitch Leonard, 15 Craig Simpson, 16 Jack Braithwaite, 17 Lachlan Salisbury, 18 Jett Clarke, 23 Josh Piper, 25 Will Cusack.
- BATHURST ST PAT’S: 1 Adam Booth, 2 Lachlan Dagg, 3 Aiden Kilburn, 4 Tye Siaskisoni, 5 Dylan Dukes, 6 Connor Naylor, 7 Mick Latu, 8 Nick Booth, 9 Zach Ashcroft, 10 Riley Cheshire, 11 Rylee Law, 12 Bailey Ackroyd, 13 Luke Bain; Bench: 14 Pat Clarke, 15 Max Campbell, 16 Blake Hadjipetros, 17 Jack McLeod, 18 Travis Simpson, 19 Joseph Clarke, 20 Luke Ayoub.