Orange City coach Steve Hamson was confident his side could head to Dubbo’s No.1 Oval and give the Kangaroos a real shake on Saturday but the home side made sure that didn’t happen, producing as emphatic a performance as they have all season.
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After weeks of inconsistency and close-fought matches Roos clicked into gear in last weekend’s eighth round of the Blowes Clothing Cup, dominating from go to woah to run out 59-7 victors, after leading 33-0 at the break.
Roos skipper Shaun McHugh said it was somewhat relieving to see his troops finally hit the lofty standards they set for themselves, particularly after a disappointing loss to Cowra the week before.
“It just clicked. There was nothing too different but we just played with more intensity and purpose,” he said.
“Right across the park we stepped up. None of us were happy with [last week] and we made each other accountable and stood up and gave it a good crack.”
Jock Brownhill’s switch from halfback to fullback proved a masterstroke as he put in a commanding, best-on-ground performance, while teenage No.9 Pat Berryman also did a fine job directing his side around.
“Jock proved he can play anywhere, he was our best on ground, and Patty has got the class to do a job,” McHugh said.
“He could play in the number nine for the next 10 years if he wanted, he’s that good.”
The defensive effort was also a committed one, the Roos not making the same mistake as they did earlier in the season when they led City at half-time only to get run down in the second stanza.
While the bonus point win was one of the Roos’ best of the season so far, the one negative on Saturday was a particularly cruel one.
In what has already been an injury-hit campaign, the Roos look set to lose the versatility and experience of Brad Pugh for a extended period, potentially the season, after he injured his knee.
“Pughy was playing great but got injured and it looks like it might be an ACL,” McHugh said.
“If it is, that’s the club’s fifth this season so fingers crossed the scans come back looking positive but the initial report at the ground wasn’t good.
“Losing his ability and leadership would be a big blow because he’s the kind of player opposition teams earmark before a game.”
The general bye next week is welcomed by the Kangaroos but the challenge now is to repeat the performance against City regularly.
The Roos, back in third on the ladder, are yet to post successive wins this season and face a massive test after the bye with consecutive away games against the top two sides, Bathurst Bulldogs and Orange Emus.
Cowra’s shock win over Orange Emus on Saturday has the Eagles on 18 points, just three off the Roos, while the Forbes Platypi are just a point further back in fifth.
The Roos trail second-placed Bulldogs by seven points, while Emus remains four points clear at the top.
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
