Their first-round clash fizzled into a one-sided affair, but Walcha are determined to produce a better showing when they tackle Pirates at Ken Chillingworth Oval on Saturday.
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The side, in many eyes, most equipped to threaten Pirates’ title defence, they couldn’t match the premiers’ power and speed, and were blown off the park.
Succinct in his appraisal after the game, Rams co-coach Barry Hoy spoke about making sure they are at least competitive. Especially with a major semi-final battle potentially looming.
As things stand they will face off for the first spot in the grand final, although the Rams aren’t yet assured of a top two finish with Moree within striking distance.
The discernible truth is they need to be better across the park on Saturday.
“Our body height wasn’t good. They held us up and turned over a bit of ball,” Hoy recalled.
Consequently they didn’t have a lot of ball in the first half as Pirates built up a 26-nil lead.
They also weren’t able to stifle Pirates’ forward momentum.
“You’ve got to make your first up tackles,” Hoy said.
“You can’t let them get a roll on. You’ve got to get them to ground.”
Pirates coach Mat Kelly shrugged off the first round blow-out, stating that they have “taken nothing out of that” and is preparing his side for their toughest test.
“They’ve (Walcha) had a lot more games to gel,” he said.
“It’ll be a completely different story.”
“I’m expecting a cracking game.”
One of the keys to their success last time was they were able to negate the potency of the Rams backs, although the inclusion of Pat Keen will make them a bit of a different proposition. He was away on Country duties.
“We’re looking forward to seeing what he brings to the table,” Kelly said.
As he is his side.
If they can produce anything like their first 20 minutes against Moree last week they will be hard to stop.
“We’ve got the team to know how to get it done,” he said.
“Patience will be a big thing. We’ve just got to use some of our wealth of experience.”
Discipline will also be important. They are without Bart Leach through suspension for three yellow cards, and even in that last game against the Rams had three players sin-binned.
Leach is one of a few changes. Luke Buchanan will make his run-on debut at blindside breakaway with “Mr Fix-it” aka Doug Biffin pushing into the second row.
“He’s (Buchanan) played plenty of first grade off the bench,” Kelly said.
“With a few boys unavailable he gets his opportunity.”
Jackson Sharpe also gets the start at half-back with James Trappel moving back to fullback.
Colby LaChiusa also returns from injury to partner Andrew Mepham, who will be playing his 50th game for the club, on the wing.
In the other Tier 1 fixture, Scone are at home to Gunnedah in their final game before the finals.
