Platypi disappointed

The visitors used their speed against Forbes’ size to secure a 41-12 win. A disappointed captain Jack Hammond credited Bathurst for their strategy and speed.

“Our ball security let us down,” he said.

“We handed it over too easily and our urgency at the breakdown wasn’t enough.” 

There’s plenty to do in training before the Forbes side’s next game, home to Orange Emus in a fortnight.

The Platypi’s focus will be around the breakdown – securing the ball and owning their possession.

“Then building some phases to get the ball down our end,” Hammond said. 

Injury is taking its toll on Forbes’ first grade side, Hammond is looking forward to the long weekend with its general bye to allow the squad to recover.

Star halfback Mahe Fangupo is back in play, but Tim Prior, Tom Macleay, Henry Willis and Blake Ridges are still noticeably absent from the first grade line-up.

On Saturday Jamie Sherritt came off the bench, stepping up from reserve grade, and played well for the Platypi.

Hammond also felt the centre pack defended well – forcing the Bulldogs to the wings. 

Bathurst coach Dean Oxley had sent his Bulldogs into the game with a simple message: avoid getting into a physical confrontation through the middle, and don’t be afraid to use some width.

The Bathurst men looked certain to carry a 17-0 lead into the break before a late, unconverted Platypi try got the hosts on the board.

That Forbes try had the potential to upset the Bulldogs’ rhythm but the blue and gold stuck to the game plan which had worked through the opening half. Forbes’ second try came late in the second second half. 

“We wanted to avoid the collision with Forbes,” Oxley said. 

“Forbes love to play confrontational football.

“If we wanted to play that game of football we probably would have had a number of injuries. We got through quite unscathed.”

Other results:

​Cowra Eeagles 18 def Orange Emus 17 ;

Dubbo Kangaroos 59 def Orange City Lions 7.