After a 60-nil thumping of CSU Bathurst in horrid conditions last Saturday, Emus have leapfrogged cross-town rivals Orange City on the first grade ladder after the Lions went down to Dubbo Kangaroos 20-7. 

Logan was pleased with his side’s ability to convert their opportunities and play an enterprising brand of rugby against CSU. 

“It was pleasing that, despite the horrid conditions, we were still able to fling seven to eight passes during a phase,” Logan said. 

Logan was delighted in a disciplined Emus performance, especially towards the latter stages of the match when they had the game and competition points sewn up. 

“We kept our discipline despite the conditions and obviously no one wants to be out playing rugby in that weather,” he said.

Emus now sit in second place on the ladder with 41 points, five off competition leaders Dubbo Kangaroos. 

While Logan’s resurgent side will no doubt look to that match against the Kangaroos on July 12 as a potential minor premiership decider, he still says they need focus on the next round.

“Dubbo are no doubt one of the sides we have to beat to go all the way and, while we do have one eye on it, we are not going to underestimate Parkes. They are a tough side at home especially, and we can’t afford to take anyone easily,” he explained.

GALLERY: ORANGE EMUS V CSU BATHURST

Logan hailed defence as a key factor to their on-field success. 

“Obviously you are going nowhere without defence....If you can keep a team out you’ll go a long way to winning this competition,” he said. 

He went on to say the new recruits had not been the major difference in form this season. 

“We’ve only got three or four new faces in the club,” he said. 

“Our success has come from developing our existing players and having our colts thriving in first grade as seasoned players.” 

With eight wins, two losses and a draw against rivals Orange City, Emus are a realistic chance of taking out their first Blowes Clothing Cup since 2002.

However, Logan still believes there is a lot of room for improvement. 

“Defence is obviously a part of the game which can always be improved on, it’s ultimately going to decide who run out champions at the end of the season,” he said. 

Another area for improvement for the Emus is scoring opportunities. 

“We’ve got to try and convert all opportunities we can, even when you only have two or three opportunities in a match,” he said. 

“Against City we had only three opportunities and only scored on one, so we will be looking to improve our strike rate when he have ball in hand.”