For the second week running, the Young Cherrypickers have collapsed after half-time, conceding a 44-20 loss to Wagga Kangaroos on Saturday at Alfred Oval.
The Round 16 match held in conjunction with the Cherrypickers charity day supporting Ronald McDonald House, saw Young hold a 20-10 lead at the break.
A mounting injury toll in both senior grades was evident prior to the game with the Cherrypickers’ Reserve Grade forfeiting their final regular season match while also naming an inexperienced line up to take on Roos’.
Four opening-half tries saw the hosts in a commanding position, but fatigue and further injuries proved costly as Kangaroos scored six second-half tries against a gallant Pickers side.
Young coach Dan Barclay was pleased with the way his troops committed themselves after a nightmarish outing against Gundagai a week earlier.
“It was a big turnaround in attitude and effort. We earned some respect back as it was always going to be a big challenge given the injuries we currently have,” Barclay said.
Most of those who left the ground on Saturday afternoon were under the impression that they’d be witnessing the same two teams they had just watched, play this week’s Elimination Final.
However, results didn’t fall the way of Kangaroos’, with South City Bulls climbing into fifth position after trouncing Cootamundra 48-4.
Barclay said although he was happy with certain areas of Young’s game against Kangaroos, he’d need to see a lot more from them if they were any chance of progressing through the finals series.
“We have to be much better following our process, and in managing the game. We need to be completing sets at a high percentage if we want to progress.”
There may be some respite for the Cherrypickers, with several players potentially being available for selection for Saturday’s final against the Bulls.
Winiata Cherrington, Charlie Woolford, Aaron Slater and Jonah Latu are all possibilities to return to the field in what would be a timely boost for the depleted Pickers.
Captain-Coach Jayke Hogan will need to produce another inspirational performance if Young are to survive elimination, while Kane Ball and Matt Murray are the keys to Young’s scoring chances and will look to combat the Bulls’ threats with quality attack of their own.
Jersey sponsors for the Young Cherrypickers Ronald McDonald House Charity Round are:
Ray white
Mellross Homes
Hobsons Electrical
Compliant Business Processing
Australian Hotel
Bedford cleaning
Tom Bush
Tri Mech
Terry Bros
Fox Cullen Earthmoving
Patterson Bros
Tester Porter
J & C Powderly’s Harness Racing
Crutcher Developments
Gault Air & Electrical
James Tancred Concreting
Ozcott Excavations
Greg Smith Carpentry
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