Orange Emus defeat Cowra Eagles in Blowes Clothing Cup's fifth round

In blustery conditions at Cowra the reigning premiers were forced to defend for the best part of their round five showdown against the Eagles but didn't break, conceding only a rare field goal on their way to a low-scoring, 15-3 win.

Emus' defensive effort was particularly impressive in the opening 15 minutes of the second half. The greens led just 5-3 at the break and Cowra launched consistent raids in the visitors' red zone, but were turned away just as consistently.

Co-captain Charlie Henley lauded the defensive effort, and those that have come prior, but conceded his side wasn't able to capitalise on its opportunities with the ball and that contributed to amount of possession the Eagles enjoyed.

"We've only conceded three tries in the last three games so our defence has been strong, it was epic in that period just after half-time on the weekend," Henley, who scored one of Emus' two tries in the win, said.

"We were defending our line for most of that period just after half-time but didn't concede, which is really encouraging, we're digging in defensively which is a good sign so early in the season.

"We didn't capitalise when we had the ball though, we had plenty of opportunities early but we were a bit luckless there as well. Neither us nor Cowra really took advantage of the wind either, there was a big wind and it was pretty tough conditions.

"It's a win and tough one, it's always difficult going over to Cowra and coming away with points especially when they've got a big crowd over there, so it's a positive result but there's still plenty for us to work on from it."

Henley scored not long after kick-off to make it 5-0, it stayed that way after Nigel Staniforth uncharacteristically missed the conversion from all but straight in front.

Jeffs nailed a drop goal just before the break, but the Eagles wouldn't add to their tally while Staniforth himself added another 10 points for the greens by way of a try, a conversion and a penalty goal.

The victory keeps Emus on top of the Blowes Clothing Cup table, one point ahead of the developing Forbes Platypi who hammered the last-placed Dubbo Kangaroos at Grinsted Oval on Saturday.

A showdown with Bathurst Bulldogs, the only side to have beaten the greens this year, looms at Endeavour Oval for Emus on Saturday afternoon.

Henley gave 18-year-old winger Jake Ritchie a nod as well, saying the youngster handled himself well in trying conditions during his top grade debut on Saturday.

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