“I’m sure it’s going to be the hardest game of the year so far.”
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That’s how Bathurst Bulldogs coach Dean Oxley sees this Saturday’s Blowes Clothing Cup contest against Cowra Eagles.
Can you fault him?
Eagles have had their share of ups and downs this season but when the Cowra men have hit their straps the results have been tremendous.
Just ask competition leaders Orange Emus, who went down by a point to the Eagles earlier this month, and defending champions Forbes Platypi. They had to fight hard for a 20-15 win over Cowra last round.
“They’ll turn up because they’ve got their old boys day, the Shute Shield there, they’re undefeated at home and they’ve set themselves a goal to keep it that way through the season,” Oxley said.
“Obviously the games against Emus would be on par with this. We’re under no illusions that this isn’t going to be a challenging game.
“Cowra’s scrum has improved significantly. They have the inclusion of a Fijian prop [Joe Dakuitoga] which has been making some noise around the competition. It will be interesting to see how they will fare.”
Both captains, Peter Fitzsimmons for Bulldogs and Chris Miller for Cowra, will miss the match.
Bulldogs go into the game with big results of their own, the most immense being last week’s 86-0 caning of Orange City.
Oxley is demanding more of the same from a Bulldogs team still eyeing off the minor premiership.
“Cowra won’t want us to play our game and they’ll do everything they can to nullify that. They’re very confrontational and a very abrasive side,” he said.
“After our two wins over Cowra in Bathurst it was clearly outlined by [coach] Col Jeffs that he was waiting for Bathurst to come to Cowra.
“It will be a great test for our boys. We need this hard football to make sure we’re put under pressure, and that if any cracks show it will be good to see them now and prepare for semi-finals.”
Bulldogs have 47-7 and 41-10 home wins over the Eagles to their name.
Bathurst will be aware that their most recent of those wins came against an under strength Eagles team who will undoubtedly be a bigger force at home.
Match starts 1pm at Cowra Rugby Club.
