The Platypi first graders are on a high, with four wins from four games so far this season. 

But this weekend they meet what coach Heamani Lavaka considers one of the best teams in the competition.

“We also have a few injuries,” Lavaka said yesterday, saying that he would not be able to name a team until he heard from the physios at last night’s training.

“Masi has hurt his knee and Nathan Langilangi looks like he has a broken wrist,” he said.

“What’s going to hurt us is that  (number two, hooker) Jarrod Hall is unavailable - he’s been great for us the past few weeks.”

What will also effect the game is the weather forecast: 90 per cent chance of 10-20mm of rain.

Last Saturday, the Platypi had a resounding 36 to 7 homeground win over Dubbo Rhinos.

The win made it four from four for Forbes rugby union’s first grade side … and they are “ecstatic” with a dream start to the season, according to club president Tracey Prior. 

“There is a nice vibe at the club at the moment, and a sense that some good things could happen - everyone is very positive,” she said. 

The win, coupled with an Orange City bye, saw the Platypi move into second place on the ladder.

The Rhinos have just re-entered the Blowes Clothing Cup after playing in the Graincorp competition for a number of years and were an unknown quantity for the Platypi, according to Prior.

“We were unsure what to expect from these guys,” she said.

“Even though they are still settling back into the top tier, they are very competitive.”

The Platypi came out hard in the first half and scored a try within the first few minutes.

“Then they really stuck it to us for the rest of the half .. it was tough,” Prior said. 

Perhaps it was enough for the Platypi, who returned for the second half a settled side and put set plays into motion, resulting in three tries and the bonus point (awarded for four tries in any one game).

The breathing space the game afforded proved a perfect opportunity for coach Heamani Lavaka to trial players in new positions and new grades to prepare for the inevitable injuries as the season wears on.  

“There were parts of the game that were not pretty to watch, but it was worth it,” Prior said. 

“But in saying that, it all worked out .. we got the points on the board, and it was an important weekend for testing the depth of the players.

“We know that injuries will happen, and the younger guys will have to step up … that’s just the nature of football,” she said. “To be successful, you have to have the depth and that means giving the guys the opportunity.” 

Forbes won the second grade clash against the Rhinos 45-7, and Colts on forfeit.