A regulatory change in the age bracket for the colts competition has enabled the Platypi to field a side for the first time in years, but they're actually no strangers.

The young side has come up through the junior ranks together, and coach John Cole praised Central West Rugby's decision to lower the age bracket to see them compete at the colts level.

"Central West Rugby and Matt Tink are to be congratulated," Cole said.

"It allows the guys to get one more year of rugby in while they are at school."

Cole said Saturday's game was emotionally charged: it was the first time the close-knit group has taken to the field without their late captain Darcy Jones.

While they struggled to match it with the visiting Orange Emus in the first half, the young hosts rallied late to score the final two tries of the match.

Try scorers were Austin Fay and Tom Mattiske, Luke McDean added the extras each time.

The scoreboard showed Emus the winners 38-12, but Cole was pleased with the way the side upped their intensity and physicality in the latter stages of the game.

"They got back to what they knew and trusted," he explained, and he's looking forward to the season, albeit shortened due to COVID-19.

"Their enthusiasm (to compete) is through the roof," he said.

Cole's squad has seized the opportunity to train with the seniors this year.

"(Training with the seniors) certainly assists with taking the next step up," Cole said.

"And they're familiarising themselves with the club approach."

The Platypi have the bye this weekend, and they'll put the week off to good use.

"We'll fix our scrum and our backs will get twice the ball they did on Saturday," Cole said.

"We'll refine a few combinations - and teach the boys our victory song."

As far as he's concerned, the season has already been a success, it was "brilliant" to be back out there Saturday.

"People have gone the extra mile to make it happen," he said.

More rugby, page 14.