A wake-up call or a reality check?
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Forbes skipper Jack Hammond firmly believes Saturday’s 46-33 thumping at the hands of Cowra is the former, so much so he’s backing the defending premiers to come out swinging in what will be a minor semi-final showdown with the Eagles in two weeks.
The Platypi were flat and, as Hammond says, coughed up possession ad nauseam as the Eagles raced in six tries to cement third spot on the Blowes Clothing Cup ladder and effectively pull down the pants of an outfit that just last week whacked minor premiers Orange Emus.
In fact, Hammond says that 37-21 victory in Orange did his side more harm than good.
“It seemed like we were a little complacent and we thought we’d do it a little easier than what we did. Cowra, to their credit, came out and blew us off the park,” Hammond said.
“We trained well and we believe in what we we’re doing, but it didn’t show and it takes more than that at this time of the season.
“It was a pretty big wake up call. We spoke about it in the sheds, we’e not out of it, no one is doubting our fight and will to win we just didn’t execute the one-percenters today.”
The loss was soured by the loss of NSW Country prop Charlie French.
Early reports indicate the premiership-winning prop has torn a pectoral muscle and is long odds at featuring on the field again in 2018.
Simon Uphill, though, was again tremendous for the Platypi while Fangupo showed flashes of brilliance, but by and large was suffocated by the Eagles’ backrow of Tom Dewhurst and Tim Berry.
“They were just a step ahead of us, kind of like what we were against Emus last week,” Hammond added.
“We just didn’t cherish the ball. When we did hold the ball, we looked good and put points on them we just couldn’t hold the ball.
“We were too slow at the rucks and we turned over nearly every one of them.”
Forbes wore novelty jerseys on Saturday, a kit the club auctions off annually to help raise money for charity.
- COWRA EAGLES 46 (Troy Jeffs 2, Pate Beramaosur 2, Joe Dakuitoga, Jacob McNaught tries; Troy Jeffs 5 conv; Troy Jeffs 2 pen goals) def FORBES PLATYPI 33 (Josh Coulthurst 2, Jarrod Hall, Kyle Sharpe, Tohi Nusipera tries; Simon Uphill 4 conv)
Nick McGrath
Editor, Central Western Daily
Editor, Central Western Daily
