WALCHA Kangaroos showed they are going to be a Group 4 Second Division premiership threat in 40 minutes of football at home on Saturday.
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The Roos were down 22-10 at Captain Cook Park to the visiting Werris Creek Magpies and headed for a third defeat at the major break.
However a stern halftime talk from co-coaches Peter Berry and Jack O’Hara explained what the Roos had to do to win the important home game and stay in the premiership race.
The Roos heeded the advice and took control almost from the kick-off to clear the first- half “sleep” and produce some exhilarating football.
“The game was there for the taking,” Berry said.
“We came out a bit more awake in the second half.
“They did what we asked them to do at halftime.”
Glen Olrich, halfback Jason Latham, second-rowers Lachlan Laurie and Robert Smith, centre Lachlan Brown and skipper Troy Yarnold all led the way with big second halfs.
Jason Latham picked up the two points in the Group 4 Second Division best and fairest Award and Lachlan Laurie the one.
Werris Creek stalwart Rob Symington, despite playing in a beaten side, received the three points for another wholehearted display.
Werris Creek coach Ron Dellar was disappointed with the result after setting up a good away game with some strong defence and attack in the first half.
“They (Walcha) came out after half time and for that first 10 minutes did everything right,” Dellar said.
“They are a good side.
“But we always knew it was going to be hard up here.”
His side didn’t help itself in the second half with some “little errors” that compounded into major mistakes that cost the Magpies a valuable two points.
Dellar thought young fullback Jack Darcy was his best while props, Thomas Brown and Bryce Parsons, gave his side good go-forward.
“We just got away from our game plan after halftime,” he said.
“We’ll regroup now for Sunday’s game against Bendy.”
With the Greater Northern Championships on Saturday, a fifth round of Group 4 Second Division matches will be played on Sunday.
Werris Creek will be at home to Bendemeer, Kootingal hosts Boggabri, Manilla is at home to Dungowan and Walcha heads to Barraba Sportsground to tackle the reigning premier Bulldogs.