IT says something when your team is well beaten and you are adjudged the best player on the field.
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But such was Scone captain Doug McKillop’s performance against Tamworth last Saturday that he earned the zone three best and fairest points – despite his side losing 42-15.
The number eight was immense for the visitors and, had they had 14 more of him, it might have been a different story.
Tomorrow they host Quirindi and will be looking to avenge for their first-round loss.
The Brumbies had headed into that clash hopeful of picking up their first win but were hammered 62-7 as the Lions claimed their first win in over two seasons.
Not surprisingly, McKillop said they can’t afford to take them lightly.
He also spoke about needing to get their defence in order.
“We get our defence right, everything else will come after that.”
It was one of their downfalls against the Magpies.
“I think we came back pretty well,” McKillop said.
But the damage had been done in the opening few minutes, with the Magpies flying out to a 14-nil lead.
McKillop tried his best to drag them back into it.
Always willing to run, he bent the line most times he did and took several defenders to stop him.
The forwards in general were strong, as has been the case most of the season.
“All season our forwards have been holding it together,” he said.
“It’s been good with Mert (Martin Feehan) back in the forward pack.”
“It’s probably the strongest pack we’ve had for a few years.”
This season is McKillop’s fifth back in Scone after returning home in 2011.
It’s been a mixed ride so far.
“My first year we only won about two games,” he said.
“The second year we made the semi-finals.”
He was then out injured in 2014 when the Brumbies won the Tier 2 competition.
In other games tomorrow Moree host Narrabri, Pirates are at home to Inverell and Barraba clash with Gunnedah.
Preceding tomorrow’s big college derby, the St Albert’s College annual charity women’s rugby (Chugby) game against Robb College will be played at 4pm today.
The chugby match allows the colleges to support their chosen charities by promoting awareness, support and financial assistance.
St Alberts will be supporting batyr and Robb College the Royal Flying Doctors Service.
The Albies girls will be out to wrest the bragging rights from Robb and have been training hard under coach Alex Rainnie.