Forbes Platypi had their second loss for the season on Saturday against top-of-the-table Orange Emus, however coach Heamani Lavaka said it’s nothing to get upset about.
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“We played one of the better games after we played Orange City,” he said.
“It was one of the best games we’ve played all year against one of the best quality sides.”
The Platypi had a good first half and were leading 5-3 at halftime, however after giving away three penalties in the second half, they ended up going down 25-12.
“In the second half we gave away three penalties and they scored three tries,” Lavaka said.
“When you play a good side like Orange Emus, as soon as you give away a penalty, they use it.
“It’s a good learning experience.”
Lavaka said he was pretty happy with their performance and believes his side have the ability to beat Emus the next time the two clubs meet.
“It’s just a matter of putting our best players on the field,” he said.
“We’ll take this loss as a positive.
“If we hang in there and if we’ve got much better discipline the game will be different.
“Our boys went really well. It was a good game.”
Lavaka said Adrian Cole was one of the standout players on Saturday, being consistently one of the best players each week, while Brett Stace was strong on defence and Andrew Hubbard also played well.
“Those three went really well. But everyone was all right, it’s just a matter of discipline,” Lavaka said.
Marty Herbert re-injured his knee on Saturday and came off with 20 minutes of play remaining and Cole rolled his ankle but Lavaka is confident that will be okay for this week’s match against Dubbo Kangaroos.
Mahe Fangupo will be returning to play this weekend after two weeks away playing for the NSW Country Cockatoos.
“It’s good we’ve got Mahe back this week, he’ll make a big difference,” Lavaka said.
“When he’s on the side, it’s like having three people.
“We’ll have close to a full team this week.”
The Dubbo Kangaroos are currently sitting in third place on the Blowes Clothing Cup ladder, just one point above the now fourth-placed Platypi, so this Saturday’s match should be a close one.
The Platypi will take on the Kangaroos at home at Grinsted Oval.
This Saturday is also Ladies Day with all ladies invited to high tea and champagne on the upstairs balcony of the rugby club from 2pm.
The theme is ‘Legs out for Lymphoma’ with all money raised this year going to Lymphoma Australia.
Entry is free for members and $10 for non-members.
There’ll be prizes for the most stylish lady and live music after the rugby.
