SCONE Thoroughbreds cannot take Muswellbrook Rams lightly even if young Rams coach Josh Pearsol sits out Sunday’s big clash at Scone Park.
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The 23-year-old Pearsol is in his first stint as a captain-coach and had been enjoying an up and down season where his young Rams have shown their potential on a number of occasions.
They currently sit fourth on the table behind Scone, Greta Branxton and reigning premiers Denman.
They are coming off a 30-20 win over Singleton Greyhounds but it was Pearsol’s first game off in three years.
“I haven’t missed a game for three years,” Pearsol said after the win.
“It nearly killed me sitting on the bench. I felt so helpless.”
Pearsol has a neck injury and was to visit a specialist this week.
He was also resigned to missing Sunday’s match against Scone because his side (all Group 21) has a bye the week after and he thought it might be the best decision to give it a good rest. Scone Thoroughbred captain-coach Daniel Ritter is in a far different physical situation.
His side is barrelling along beautifully and he is enjoying an injury-free season that culminated in his selection in the NSW Country Seconds (Bulls) to tour Queensland in a few weeks.
“It’s a big honour,” Ritter said.
“I’m looking forward to it. Good for Timmy too (Tim Smith selected as a Bulls reserve). We would have hoped for a few more from Greater Northern but we would have had to make the final at least I suppose.”
Ritter is no stranger to Country colours, the Scone lock played for Country in Bundaberg in 210 as well against the Cook Islands.
His side’s controlled win over major rivals Greta Branxton in last week’s top-of-the-table clash was a good win for Ritter as well as he looks forward to Sunday’s “dangerous” home clash against the Rams.
“Muswellbrook are a dangerous side,” he said.
“They’ve got the Boney boys, Daley and Cade, and Ewie Bartholomew. It’ll be a tough day.”
Tomorrow Aberdeen matches up against Greta Branxton at home (McKinnon) while the other Sunday game is at Denman Oval where the Devils host Singleton Greyhounds.
o Group 4, 19 and 21 draws and tables Page 27.
GROUP 21 TABLE: Scone 20, Greta Branxton 13, Denman 11, Muswellbrook 9, Singleton 4, Aberdeen 1.
