FOR a side one win away from a grand final berth, Orange Emus’ Blowes Clothing Cup third grade outfit aren’t all that worried about results.
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The greens are just happy to be out on the field.
The big losers in a third grade draw that resulted in Emus playing just three games in the seven weeks leading into the semi-finals, the hosts racked up a 17-9 minor semi-final win over the Bathurst Bulldogs at Endeavour Oval on Sunday.
Staying alive and booking a preliminary final date with Orange City at Pride Park next Saturday, Emus coach Barry Ruddy said he was looking forward to the penultimate week of the 2014 Central West Rugby Union season.
“For us it was a game where we were dominant but didn’t have many points,” Ruddy said looking at the Bathurst win.
“So it was all about field position and possession.
“That’s what we talked about at half-time as well as making sure we took the space in defence to cause errors.”
Emus began well with a smartly worked try to Josh Towns gifting the hosts a 7-0 lead. But three consecutive penalty goals to Bulldogs five-eighth Chris Osborne handed the visitors a 9-7 lead.
Fiery Emus flanker Sam Chamberlain then handed the greens back the front running and when Staniforth potted a penalty goal the result was all but bagged at 17-9.
Tempers flared right on full-time, and Bulldogs coach Mitch Lavelle believes that frustration can be put down to one thing - missed opportunity.
“We just didn’t take advantage of getting points in their 20,” Lavelle said.
“We had plenty of opportunities but had to resort to kicking penalty goals which was a bit of a shame. All credit to Emus, their forwards played well and handled it well on the day.
“It’s disappointing but Emus probably outdid us in the forwards, which is what we thought might happen.
“It’s alright though, the boys have had a good year and I’m proud of how we went.”
Glen Paterson-Kane was brilliant for Emus, as was fullback Staniforth - his presence in particular a crucial one for the greens.
“He’s just calm, that calmness just helps everyone around the paddock,” Ruddy said.
“We just want to keep playing. Because of the way the draw works we went a long time without any footy, so the more we play the better get.”
