The Cowboys have their sights set on the Tigers this Saturday as the two sides fight for the last ticket to next week’s grand final at Werris Creek.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The triumphant trip home last weekend was in stark contrast to the side that hobbled back on the bus after copping a tough loss in the same game the year before.
While the Cowboys team was much the same it was a completely different outfit that took the firld this season after injury ravaged the 2014 premiers late last year.
This time around halves Matt Wilson and Shaun Ferguson took control of the match and lead the way home for the Cowboys on the back of a tough and physical effort from their pack, lead by skipper Clint Ridley alongside Mark Macauley and lock Lochie Collins.
Collins and Boggabri lock Mitch Campbell were just one of several great match-ups on the day as they went hit for hit with each other, unfortunately for their team mates they rarely hit each other as they both kept looking to go one better throughout the entertaining and sometimes scrappy match.
“We have been working on our defence and marking for the last few weeks,” Collins said.
“Today it was unreal.”
“That was one of the most physical games I have played.”
Collins played hooker last year but is all too happy to step aside for Nathan Maguire, who along with Macauley has sured up the Cowboys defence in the middle as well as adding an extra dynamic in attack, while Collins gets to enjoy a roving role at lock.
The hooker couldn’t help but recall last years game when the Roos started mounting a second half comeback on Saturday.
“Yeah I thought about it and thought we can’t let that happen again.”
The Cowboys are looking to keep that emphasis on defence as they look to tackle a whole different beast in the Tigers lead by halfback Clarrie Moran.
“We have still got a bit of improving to do,” Collins said.
“We have been getting players back from injury for the last eight weeks and we just about have a full side.”
“I would like to hope that we can win the grand final.”
Uralla will be bringing both teams down the hill on Saturday after both missed out at last weeks major semifinal at Werris Creek.
The girls will meet Boggabri looking for another shot at the undefeated Kootingal kicking off at 1pm, before the main event at 2.30pm.
In the Plate Walcha were upset by Manilla in last weeks major final and will have to beat Bingara to earn another crack this weekend, while in the league tag Barraba will meet Bendemeer with Walcha waiting.