Western continues to mount an almost irresistible case for back-to-back under 16s country championship crowns after a fourth-straight Andrew Johns Cup win on the weekend.
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The Rams effectively defended their way to a round four win over Monaro at Harden, conceding just the one try in 60 minutes.
While an attack coach Kurt Hancock says is at times clunky but boasts plenty of potential was still polished enough to race in six tries in the 30-6 rout of the Colts at Roberts Park.
Forbes backrower Jack Hartwig and Blayney flier Aiden Nunn both scored doubles while Mason Pollack and skipper Noah Griffiths crossed for four-pointers to help Western’s winning streak continue and sew up the top spot the Johns Cup southern pool with one round remaining.
Western takes on the Greater Southern Region Wests Tigers at Camden to wrap up the pool stage of the tournament next week.
Rams under 16s manager Mark Booth, a lot like Hancock, can see the potential this group has.
But it’s a continued push on development, rather than a reliance on talent, that will ensure Western pushes into the knockout stage of the championship focused on the task at hand.
“We’re still trying to improve every game,” Booth said.
“Our attack at times was a bit rushed (against Monaro). We weren’t getting to our points and lost our way a little bit.
“But you can put that down to the enthusiasm of the guys.”
Western has conceded, on average, nine points per game over the opening month of the tournament and it’s defensively, Booth says, the Rams are thriving.
“He’s a very defense orientated coach, Hank. If don’t let them score any points it makes it easier for your attack, and that’s what we’re working towards,” Booth added.
“Jack Hartwig was good … it’s hard to single anyone out though. I thought our halves were good and we went in to the game without two frontrowers so, the guys up front, they did well too.
“You could say everyone did their job. And that’s been the case for us during the whole competition.”
Western is expected to welcome back forward Marlin Pollack and prop Tom Phillips ahead of next week’s trip to Camden.
Phillips, a Red Bend product, was 19th man for Saturday’s clash at Harden.
“He’s champing at the bit to get back,” Booth added.
- WESTERN RAMS 30 (J Hartwig 2, A Nunn 2, M Pollack, N Griffiths tries ;T Colley 3 goals) def MONARO COLTS 6 (T Wilton try; A Naidu goal)
Nick McGrath
Editor, Central Western Daily
Editor, Central Western Daily
