RUGBY UNION
Canowindra Pythons have launched their 50th anniversary season with a home game under lights at Tom Clyburn Oval.
Yeoval dominated early and finished 17-33 winners in the contest, but the Pythons had positives to take away from the game.
They’ve welcomed some young and new players to the team, fielding a 26-man squad, and club leaders were happy with the way they all stepped up in the first game.
“I think the team’s got a lot of talent, a lot of potential, just a bit of experience and a bit more rugby time,” Andy Townsend said.
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Dylan Slattery agreed.
“It was a hard hit-out,” Slattery said.
“We have a pretty young team and I think things ‘ll start coming together in a few more games.”
Yeoval put the pressure on early and scored twice before Canowindra pushed back, Daniel Boyd crossing the line to close the gap on the scoreboard to 5-12 with eight minutes to go in the first half.
The visitors dug in from there, though, and extended their lead to 5-31 before the Pythons rallied late and brought their fans to their feet.
For a time the Pythons had all the momentum and they added two more tries and bring the final score to 17-33.
“It was really good to see and proves that we’ve got something good happening here and it’s just going to take a bit of time to sort it out,” Groves said.
The team will hit the training paddock this week with plenty to work on, but a coaching team pleased with their attitude.
“No one said no to anything today: they were all happy to do anything and they all stood up and played at 110 per cent, gave it their all,” Groves said.
“It was unreal to see all those new blokes come through and have a crack.”
Points this week to Dylan Slattery for another 80 minute effort and to Noah Brown for a cracking game out wide in the backs.
Next week, Canowindra Pythons are on the road to Blayney with kick off scheduled for 2pm.
