Workies first grade coach Graeme Osborne said he was “proud as punch” of his team, despite conceding a 38-30 loss to Blayney.
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The squad was hoping to inflict maximum damage on the Blayney side last Sunday as repayment for the the shock 46-14 loss the Bears handed to Workies playing at Lithgow earlier this season.
Circumstances, however, conspired against the Lithgow outfit last weekend.
“It was that we had so many players backing up that was the hardest part,” Osborne said.
“Eight players in first grade had to play in the reserve grade match as well as as the first grade.
“It was a bit of a struggle, but they applied themselves fantastically.”
The help from first grade players saw a Lithgow reggies victory, with a twenty point lead.
Osborne said the premier side also managed to hold a lead until the closing minutes of the match when Blayney Bears scored two late tries.
“The boys did what they could all but for five minutes of the game.
“They just didn’t have any more to give. I felt sorry for them in the sheds. They were very disappointed, but they were absolutely gassed.
“They went above and beyond everyone expected. Just the last five minutes they didn’t have anything left in their legs.”
He said Blayney’s performance, currently equal bottom on the table with the Workies, didn’t hold any surprises.
“Blayney probably played the same [as the previous match] we just applied ourselves a lot better this time.”
The next two games are sure to be challenging, coming up against Bathurst Panthers, placed fourth in the ladder, and Cowra Magpies, who are currently in second place.
“We’re going to go into this week’s game with at least thirteen fresh players, which is good compared to last week.
“I think panthers inflicted a loss on Oberon last week, so it’s going to be a tough game.”
He said the game plan for Workies was obvious.
“With two rounds to finish we want to get a win to help the club for the end of the year and put us in a good light for the start of next year.
“When you’re outside of the semis you’re not playing with any pressure. Everybody can relax a little bit because there’s no pressure.
“Sides outside of the semis can be a pain in the back and inflict a loss. Hopefully, we’ll come away with two home games.”
Osborne said he was looking forward to the clash with Cowra on Sunday, August 26.
“We’ll be hosting a fundraising event for Nathan Doggett’s family. It will also be the sponsors day and the old boys day, so hopefully there’ll be some good support for the local footy and also to support Nathan.”
