The Blayney Rams are primed to claim the Bill Gunther Memorial Shield in Saturday's monster local derby against the Molong Magpies, after extending their perfect start to the Oilplus Cup season last weekend.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
With a much-anticipated showdown against the Magpies looming, the Rams' ground out a come-from-behind, 26-19 victory over Geurie in last weekend's fifth round to catapult themselves to the outright competition lead.
The Rams, last season's beaten grand finalists, shared the competition lead with the previously-undefeated Goats prior to Saturday's fifth-round showdown at King George Oval, which delivered on its top-of-the-table billing.
Undefeated, it's a great way to start the season and it was good to knock off the Goats on the weekend too.
- Blayney centre and secretary Jordan Butler
After leading by just two points at half-time the Rams conceded twice directly after the break, the Goats exploding out of the blocks to rocket to a 19-7 lead early in the second half.
But the Rams showed their experience and composure, with sustained pressure and a spate of Goats indiscretions eventually leaving referee Luke Humphreys no choice but to award the hosts a penalty try.
Skipper Baz Hobby caught Geurie napping not long after and scored from a quick tap, which Harry Phillips duly converted, before winger Will Mackie sealed the victory by finishing a counter-attack in the corner.
"Undefeated, it's a great way to start the season and it was good to knock off the Goats on the weekend too, they're a handy side," Rams centre and club secretary Jordan Butler said.
It came after wins over the retuning Trangie Tigers (36-0), defending premiers Coonabarabran (19-14) and 2019 title-winners Wellington (26-17), a streak made all the more impressive considering the two latter victories were both on the road.
"Coonabarabran have a much younger side than the one which beat us in the grand final last year, but they're certainly still strong," Butler said.
"To get your longest bus trip out of the way so early in the season and pick up a win too, we were really pleased with that one."
Saturday's clash with Molong, at King George Oval, also doubles as the Blayney club's Ladies' Day, adding some extra motivation for the Rams.
The Magpies sit fourth, a first-round forfeit not indicative of their strength as they've picked up three wins from four games since.
Blayney will, however, be without Butler this weekend and potentially some weeks after. After injuring his hamstring, he's eyeing off the final regular season round against Coolah for a return.
"It'll be a big day I think, this Saturday," Butler said.
"We're looking pretty good going into it, but last year Molong were incredibly strong through their forwards and we're expecting more of the same this season."
Saturday's local derby kicks off at 2pm.
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 ...