DESPITE mass resignations from their 2013 premiership-winning side, the Kandos Waratahs are looking as though they will remain a Centennial Coal Cup force during 2014.
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There were some good signs for the Waratahs at the Centennial Coal Cup charity knockout on Saturday, making the final before being defeated by Wallerawang 34-0.
Losing their first game of the knock-out 10-4 to Villages United, Kandos then found their form by posting three tries in a 16-4 win against Orange Barbarians.
Tries to Kandos’ Daniel Steele, Rhys Carver and Ethan Parsons saw the Waratahs proceed to the final - a task that has proven tough in years past.
It was a great effort from the side that is still lacking a coach or manager for the season.
Caretaker and club stalwart, Glenn Sargent, has put the call out for someone to help him through 2014.
“We got to the final of the knock-out, and there have been years when we never got that far. We have a new team with good prospects, but I really need a team manager, and appeal for someone to come along and lend a hand,” he said.
The Waratahs are anxious to do well in 2014. It is year of the township’s centenary, and a finals berth would give them 10 straight semi-finals appearances to help celebrate the occasion.
Returning to the Waratahs on Saturday was Steve Madden who defended strongly and was “a pillar of strength in attack” during every Kandos game.
He attracted the attention of swarms of tacklers every time he touched the ball and scored the only Kandos try in the first game.
John Madden was injured in the second game and unable to play in the final. He was denied a penalty try in the first game against Villages United and those points could have possibly secured a win.
Kandos High School captain, August Pearce, showed composure for his age and will benefit from the exposure to the trial games against seasoned players.
By season’s end club stalwarts are predicting he will show vast improvement on his first appearances in the senior team.
Michael Parsons, Adam Stewart, Rhys Carver, Dean Mundey, Matt and Luke Hundy are all returning to the club.
Each had solid games and, along with former juniors Daniel Steele and Matt Nelson, indicated that once settled into Glenn Sargent’s routine they will provide a backbone to the team.
Last year’s skipper Glenn Osgood, and premiership team-mate Jason Reddish, assisted Sargent with sideline duties but Sargent has appealed for extra help.
The Consolation Cup was won by Blackheath over Villages United 12-10 on Saturday.