Cowra coach Troy Hayes isn’t satisfied the Eagles provided Orange Emus and Bathurst Bulldogs with the types of contests they needed ahead of their respective runs into the end of August.
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He wants another crack at the top sides, and warned them to expect another “hard” encounter should the men in red live up to expectations during the next five weeks, and secure fifth spot on the Blowes Clothing Cup ladder.
In a race with Orange City and Parkes, Cowra’s run home looks favourable hosting Dubbo Rhinos, Forbes and Dubbo Roos, while traveling to CSU Bathurst and Mudgee.
“There’s three games we should definitely win, and two we have a really good shot at, especially at home,” Hayes said.
“We want to win all five. You want to run into the finals on a winning note.
“Anything could happen though. We could miss out.”
The Eagles lacked desire to win at Ashwood Park last week, much to Hayes’ surprise. Some ill-discipline proved costly, while the Bulldogs defence repelled Cowra time and time again.
This week’s game against Rhinos at the Cowra Rugby Grounds marks the first of three games Hayes says the Eagles should definitely win. Rhinos edged Cowra 10-5 during the opening half of the season.
“We have a totally different side from that last game which is what we had hoped,” Hayes said. “They’re probably struggling a bit for numbers but they’ll be tough.”
Troy Jeffs remains sidelined, Bill Cummins will play at flyhalf and John Grant moves to fullback.