Top of the table, undefeated and scoring goals for fun. It's fair to say Waratah FC are enjoying their return to the Western Premier League so far, with Tim Kelly and Craig Sugden playing big roles in that renaissance.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Both found the back of the net last week in their 3-1 win over Mudgee. That took Sugden's tally for the year to five goals in three games.
Asked what's led to this purple patch, Sugden said: "I've got no idea."
"I think this is the best conversion rate I've had in my life. I'm usually more renowned for putting them 20 yards over the bar than under the bar.
"It's always good to score goals and when the team is playing well it seems to make it a bit easier to put it in the goal.
"Guy (Burgess), the other fella that's been playing up front with me is usually more of the talisman and scores more goals than me so I pitch in when I can."
This week Waratahs will take on the Orana Spurs who have been the surprise packet of this year's WPL, winning all three of their matches so far.
And although he knows it will be a tough game at home, Sugden is pleased to see the Dubbo outfit doing well.
"In the old Western Premier League days they always struggled for numbers and usually had most of their under 18s playing first grade as well as U18s," he said.
"By the looks of it they've come out as one of the strongest teams with some really good wins.
"Being at home, we're trying to make the most of it. Travelling, we haven't had to do it yet so we don't know how we're going to handle it."
On the other end there's Kelly, whose opener against Mudgee was his first of the year.
"It was a big relief because I've been struggling," he said.
"I've had a couple one on one chances and missed them or hit the post, so it was finally good to get one and hopefully that becomes easier."
Spurs and Waratahs are two of three teams still yet to lose a game, alongside Parkes.
Kelly is hoping the boys in blue can keep their record in tact after Saturday.
"I think we're just taking it game by game, but it's obviously in the back of the mind that we want to stay undefeated," he said.
"The season has been physical from every time so definitely a challenge. We can't afford to drop our game against any team."
Their game against Spurs will kick off at 5.15pm on Saturday at Waratah Sports Club. Waratahs currently sit top of the ladder with 10 points, just ahead of Spurs and Dubbo Bulls on nine each, while Macquarie round out the top four.
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