THE Orange Barbarians kick-off the New Era Midwest premiership today with a home clash against Villages United, and captain-coach Jason McClymont is eyeing off a strong start to 2015.
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The Barbarians mentor has identified a place in the competition’s finals as the goal for the winter, and a win over the visiting Villages at Max Stewart Oval will see the red and blues begin that quest on the right foot.
“I’m pretty confident,” McClymont said.
“We’ve got a few new guys this year and we’ve added a bit of muscle to our pack, which is probably what we needed.
“We’ve managed to get Ricky Ah-See this year, which should see us stronger up front.”
The Barbarians began the 2015 season with a slashing trial win over the Lithgow Giants, wracking up a 56-4 victory over the competition’s newest team however, lost all bar one of their knockout games a fortnight ago.
“That wasn’t ideal,” McClymont added on his side’s annual knockout record.
“But we’ve had a pretty good pre-season. I think we’re in a position to make the finals this year, that’s the goal.”
McClymont’s vision is pretty clear, and with the likes of CSU Blue, CSU Yellow, today’s opponents Villages, the traditionally strong Lithgow Bears, Wallerwang Warriors, the Blackheath Blackcats and Kandos Waratahs also aiming for the same level of accomplishment this year’s New Era Midwest premiership is shaping up as a competitive group.
Add new club the Lithgow Giants into the mix and McClymont believes there’s reason to be excited.
“It’s always good when a new club comes into the grade,” the Barbarians coach said.
“We played them in the trial and they’re relatively young and they’re pretty small, but in a couple of years time they’ll be handy. It’s good to see.”
Barbarians tackle Villages today from 2.30pm at Max Stewart Oval.
