UNBEATEN Scone Thoroughbreds face maybe the biggest test of their new A Plus Contracting Group 21 season tomorrow.
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The Daniel Ritter-coached side tackles Greta Branxton Colts in an equine examination of their premiership credentials.
Unbeaten in four outings, the Thoroughbreds play second-placed Greta Branxton at Greta Oval.
A win can create a little gap at the top of the Group 21 table.
And the Thoroughbreds will have no excuses, Ritter said.
“We’re going to be full strength,” he said.
“Everyone is back on deck.
“That’s good because it’s going to be pretty tough game down there.
“Greta have been going pretty well too.
“They beat Denman at Denman.
“It’s going to be tough in the middle.
“They’ve probably got a bigger pack than us and have got some good, quick backs too.
“It’s a big game for us.
“If we win we can put a bit of a gap on them.
“But we’ll have to play well. They’re always extremely tough down there.”
The Thoroughbreds have been boosted by the addition of backrower Wes Suckley and the development of halfback Jarrod Wicks.
“Jarrod played mostly hooker for our Under 18s last year,” he said.
“He’s been thrown in the deep end somewhat as halfback for us but he’s played well.
“He’s improving every game.
“While he hasn’t had to have a kicking game, he does possess a good passing game and has been organising us well.”
Suckley, he said, had been a great pick-up in the off-season.
“His mother lives here,” he said.
“So he’s been a handy pick- up and been playing real well. He had his best game of the season for us the other day against Denman.”
While Scone travels to Greta, Singleton is at home to Muswellbrook tomorrow. Denman and Aberdeen were playing last night at Denman Oval to allow the Devils to celebrate the annual Denman food and wine festival.
The Group 21 under 18 and senior sides will be named this weekend.
G21 TABLES
FIRST GRADE: Scone 8, Greta Branxton 5, Denman 3, Singleton 2, Muswellbrook 1, Aberdeen. Muswellbrook docked two points for a player qualification breach.
CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP: Scone 29.5, Muswellbrok 26, Greta Branxton 19, Denman 16.5, Singleton 14, Murrurundi 14, Aberdeen 7, Merriwa 0.
