From the outside looking in, it appears like a team in turmoil.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Orange CYMS under 21s team have lost three straight games and have their toughest task still ahead of them this Sunday when they take on ladder-leading Dubbo CYMS at Norton Park.
"We stopped training two weeks ago," coach Cam Jones said.
"It would be really ideal to be able to train and we had a couple of really good trainings at the start of the year.
"To be honest I don't know if blokes have given up a little bit on it or if they genuinely can't make it to training. Just blokes have stuff on with work. Every other club is the same but I imagine they at least make the effort to get there."
CYMS lost their first three games against St Pat's, Dubbo Macquarie and Forbes by a combined 98-34 score
Jones believes these early setbacks contributed to the situation they now find themselves in.
"It was a really good feel and the boys were looking good at the start of training leading up to the first round," he said.
"St Pat's were a good side and maybe we were a little unlucky to come up against them first up and may have dampened some spirits and hopes a bit.
"Obviously we want to be playing our best footy and putting it to the best teams and that hasn't happened yet."
READ MORE: CYMS look to defend Bathurst Knockout title
But it isn't all doom and gloom.
"There have been some fellas that have stood up and led the way and they have been able to form a bit of a connection in only a few weeks," Jones added.
"There's been a few negatives but also some positives to come out of it.
"It's not the kind of people we are to chuck the towel in and say it's done."
Some of the players who have impressed Jones include Liam Kennedy, Cooper Monk, Rhys Draper and Sam Warner.
"Realistically as much as we'd like to win it, it's a pre-season competition," Jones said.
"Whatever we can get out of these next couple of games, that's just going to be a benefit for us heading into round one. Blokes playing first and reserve grade, they're going to go into the game with some good match fitness.
"We're really looking to finish these last two under 21s game competitively. I know Dubbo CYMS are a gun team at the moment, so if we can at least be competitive with them then that will be ideal."
The match will kick off at 5.30pm on Sunday, March 14 at Norton Park, field 1.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark www.centralwesterndaily.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
HAVE YOUR SAY
- Send us a letter to the editor using the form below