LIONS ROAR: Josh Tremain says defence has been one of the reasons for Orange City’s undefeated start to the 2012 Blowes Clothing Cup. The Lions host Forbes tomorrow. Photo: NICK MCGRATH
IT’S the pride of the Lions.
Orange City has conceded just eight points in the opening two rounds of the 2012 Blowes Clothing Cup, defeating defending premiers Parkes 19-3 in round one before travelling to Dubbo and beating the Roos 17-5.
After going through the opening month of last season’s premiership winless, the turn around to start this winter is the best possible launch to the Lions’ 2012 campaign.
And it has everything to do with their defence.
Lions hooker Josh Tremain believes while minimal player turnover has helped Orange City’s continuity over the first fortnight of the competition, his side’s goal-line defence has been instrumental in conceding just the one try in two games.
“We’ve done a lot of work on our defence,” Tremain said. “Mick (Gray) and Steve (Hamson), both like to train us hard in that area. We’re very happy with out defence this year, especially on our line. The boys are really putting in the effort.”
And Tremain was hoping that same effort continues tomorrow against Forbes.
The Lions host the Platypi for the first time this season at Pride Park and Tremain said despite Forbes dropping their first two games against Dubbo Rhinos and Narromine, they’ll be dangerous come kick-off.
“You can never underestimate Forbes at all,” he said.
“They’re always strong in the forward pack and generally out wide in the backs they’re strong. We’re very wary of that.”
Outside centre Ben Mills and prop John Colgan return for the home side, shifting utility Anthony Salmon to fullback for the Forbes clash.
Tremain said the goal was simple - keep winning.
“That’s the main goal,” Tremain said with a smile.
“But we want to go injury-free and just keep winning and ticking the points along. Mick and Steve have set personal goals for the team. Not giving away penalties - I think that’s the biggest thing, just getting the points and not giving away silly penalties.
“It hurt us a lot last year. That’s a must.”
Kick-off is at 3.15pm tomorrow at Pride Park.
ORANGE CITY: 1 Nathan Short, 2 Josh Tremain, 3 John Colgan, 4 Josh Maley (c), 5 Chris Barrett, 6 Mitch Pearce, 7 Duncan Young, 8 Dan Johnston, 9 Nick Quinn, 10 Michael Sparks, 11 Sam Powell, 12 Maesui Lomoto, 13 Ben Mills, 14 Sione Lafo’ou, 15 Anthony Salmon.