AFTER a COVID-19 enforced hiatus in 2019 the Woodbridge Cup has finally returned, and Round 2 will see the Eugowra Golden Eagles travel to Peak Hill to take on the Roosters.
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It's set to be a closely fought contest, with Eugowra going down to Cargo by just two points in the opening round of the 2021 season last weekend, while Peak Hill lost to Manildra by 12 points.
Brad McMillan, captain-coach of Eugowra, is currently laid up with a calf injury, but it has given the Golden Eagles new main man a chance to observe his troops from afar in the tight loss.
"I was pretty happy with our game for the most part, it was just a couple of missed conversions that cost us," McMillan said.
The Golden Eagles scored more tries than Cargo but the final score-line (24-22) was in favour of the latter, something McMillan attributed to blowing out the cobwebs.
"In the first half we were all over them, but it was our lack of fitness that cruelled us and they finished over the top of us.
"Defensively we were pretty decent but with that lack of fitness we did struggle to get off our line at times and Cargo were just too good at taking their opportunities," said McMillan.
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It wasn't just the rusty play either, with a number of concussions and a traumatic shoulder injury (dislocation and broken collarbone) leaving the Golden Eagles with just one player out of seven on the bench, though McMillan is hopeful of having a full squad yet again.
"We should be able to get a few players back this week, but it'll all be about fitness at training.
"When you're tired, the first thing that goes is your mind - so we need to get some miles in the legs to make sure we aren't making silly errors in attack and defence," he said.
It was a similar story for Peak Hill last weekend, who had a great first half but faded, eventually going down to Manildra 26 - 14.
Tipped by many as genuine premiership contenders despite finishing 9th in 2019, McMillan will be keen to get his side's first win of the season and show some determination in the face of mounting injuries.
Round 2 Woodbridge Cup draw
- Saturday - Peak Hill Roosters vs Eugowra Golden Eagles
- Saturday - Manildra Rhinos vs Grenfell Goannas
- Sunday - Condobolin Rams vs Cargo Heelers
- Sunday - Canowindra Tigers vs Molong Bulls
- BYE: Trundle Boomers
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