The Cootamundra Tricolours will host the Temora Tuskers in Round 1 of the Oilsplus South West Rugby Competition this Saturday, 17th April at Country Club Oval with kick off at 3.15pm.
After falling one game short of a consecutive Grand Final appearance in last years shortened season after going through undefeated in 2019, the Tricolours will no doubt use the winning mentality created in the past twenty-four months to give themselves every opportunity of opening the season with success.
Going into the first game of the competition proper, the Tricolours opted against having any kind of trial and it will be interesting to see how that may benefit or hinder the side towards the back of what is always a bruising encounter between the two close town rivals.
With apparently a strong Fijian contingent, the Tuskers will be expected to play an expansive game using their natural flair to full adavantage & keeping that under raps is something the Tricolours would have touched on during final preparations.
A big move for the Tricolours this year will see former star centre & fly half Matt Berkrey move into the forward pack.
Proving an absolute menace for opposition backlines with strong running, deft pass & huge boot, Berkrey’s size will ensure he handles the physicality of being a forward with ease and coaches Mitch Wakeford and Cameron Stanley would have put plenty of time into the technical side of Berkrey’s transition.
Speaking to the Times, Berkrey admitted being excited for the challenge and the chance to help guys like Angus Foster and Issac Mitchell lead the side.
“Them two guys always get through a tonne of work and will be leaders, so I hope to play my part and help them out. We’ve lost a few experience players due to retirement and other commitments but the new faces at training have freshens things up and with a smaller pack than previous years, the brand of footy we play will change too which I am also looking forward to”.
Wakeford echoed Berkrey’s thoughts about an exciting new brand of Rugby, but wants his side to be able to perform week in, week out.
“After an up and down season last year I am looking for the side to be more consistent. The way we go about the small things needs to be done well each week if we want to give the finals a shake”.
With the grandstand completed & Country Club Oval looking a treat, sports lovers in general should do themselves a favour and head on down to support the Tricolours, as the winter sporting season commences.
AB RUGBY enthusiasts will be excited to know that former Wallaby great, Phil Kearns, will officially open the new Cootamundra Rugby Clubhouse on Saturday, May 8 2021.
The official ribbon cutting will be at 1.30pm on the Saturday and will be followed by the Cootamundra Junior Rugby Bear’s match, before the Cootamundra Tri-Colours men’s team take on arch-rivals Harden Red Devils at 3.15pm.