BATHURST Panthers are determined to celebrate Doug Hewitt’s 50th first grade Group 10 game in style this Saturday by knocking over Orange CYMS in the minor semi-final at Wade Park.
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The player-coach has been instrumental in getting the Panthers to this stage and his side are brimming with confidence following a physical win over the Oberon Tigers.
If Panthers can keep their momentum going they can bring to an end the season of another of the competition’s star mentors, Mick Sullivan.
CYMS will be determined to witness as many Sullivan games as possible before his time at the club ends this year and because of that Hewitt knows his team are in for another epic clash with the green and golds.
“At the start of the year we got the upper hand against them but in our last game they figured us out a little bit so they’re one of those teams we always find ourselves in a tight situation with,” he said.
Panthers have gone on a four-game winning run since their 16-10 loss to CYMS.
Their level of football has been like a roller coaster in that time but at its best, like it was against Oberon last Saturday night, it can rattle any team in the competition.
CYMS went down to cross-city rivals Hawks last Sunday but Hewitt said a quality lineup of players will be hungry to hit back at home.
“From all reports their game was just as physical against the Hawks boys. Our boys coming out of our game with a win puts them in a good mindset for this one,” Hewitt said.
“Mick Sullivan’s one of those blokes who can control the game and we have to be ready for that. He’s got that extra bit to play for with this being his last year.
“From the start of the year they were a bit shaky and a couple of teams were able to take advantage of that, but they’re the sort of team who always finds their feet at the right time of year.
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Last time Panthers played CYMS in a finals fixture the Bathurst club missed a 2016 grand final place in a heartbreaking 22-20 loss at Carrington Park.
Now Panthers have the chance to turn that around on Orange’s own turf.
“We were pretty happy with the way we played compared to our last two games against Lithgow and Blayney,” Hewitt said.
“It was always going to be an arm wrestle so we knew it was going to be all about the mental game. I don’t think during the match any of us looked at each other and put our heads down.
“After the game we also got around each other and enjoyed it all. Everyone’s in a really good mindset at the moment going into this game.”
Match starts 2.15pm.
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Alexander Grant
Part of the Western Advocate's sports desk in Bathurst.
Part of the Western Advocate's sports desk in Bathurst.
