SCONE heads back into the A Plus Contracting Group 21 season clear leaders after hosting the Greater Northern Championships last weekend but won’t be taking Singleton lightly who will be desperate to break the Thoroughbreds’ unbeaten trot when they meet tomorrow at Scone Park.
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The Greyhounds flew out of the box this season with a first- round win over premiers Greta Branxton but, after dropping consecutive games to Denman and Muswellbrook, they are keen to get back on the board.
Greyhound coach Josh Desmond said the side had a real problem with discipline after being penalised out of the last two games.
“We had three sent off against Denman and then another against Muswellbrook, with penalties coming like hotcakes,” Desmond said.
“It is something we have to get out of our game if we want to compete this season.”
The Greyhounds have taken it very seriously, even asking for a referee to be sent to training to go through rule changes and interpretations.
Scone have got some handy backs hanging off their pack but it is the Thoroughbreds’ defence that has them sitting on top.
While the Greyhounds will be looking to keep the ball in the middle, their attack has been hampered by a knee injury to captain and five-eighth Chad Solman, which has him on the sideline for an indefinite period.
“They are a very good defensive unit so we are going to have to play to our strengths,” Desmond said. “Keep it in the middle with the big men and match their forwards.”
“We need to cut down on the space and time we give them.”
Hooker Thomas Johnson played for Group 21 last weekend and will need to stay busy on the ball to keep the big men going forward.
Damaging Greyhound backrowers Chris Martin and Blake Andrews will likely see a lot of ball, as well as Liam Dunn and Thomas Tull in the centre.
“I think it will really come down to those guys – the forwards,” Desmond said.
Both sides will be desperate for the points, with a win guaranteeing the Thoroughbreds stay alone in top spot while, for the Greyhounds, a loss could see them sitting equal last if Greta-Branxton can manage a maiden victory when they host Denman in a replay of last year’s final.
“It is early days but we don’t want to fall too far behind and have too much to do at the end of the year,” Desmond said.
In the other game, Muswellbrook will host Aberdeen tonight at Olympic Park with first grade starting at 5.15pm.
Both tomorrow’s games will kick off at 2pm.
