WITH three bonus point victories from as many outings the Bathurst Bulldogs have enjoyed a strong start to their Ferguson Cup title defence, but come Saturday that undefeated record will be put to the test.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
They will host an Orange Emus outfit which has also enjoyed a dominant start to 2019.
Just as the Bulldogs have benefited from their combination of experienced campaigners and talented newcomers - beating Dubbo Kangaroos (47-0), Orange City (47-0), and Mudgee (50-19) - so too has Emus.
With ACT Brumbies representatives Em McDonald and Jacky Lyden in their ranks, Emus have beaten both Forbes (45-24) and Cowra-Canowindra (63-0).
"It's going to be one of our tougher challenges this year, they are probably a good contender to win it this year," Bulldogs skipper Mel Waterford said.
"They've got Em and Jacky who made the the Brumbies team and lot of girls who have made rep. They have a lot of girls now that believe that if they play well and get involved in the sport, the pathway is there now too and that has helped them recruit really well this year.
"They've recruited some good backs, they've probably got a bit more experience in their back line than their forward pack, but they've definitely got some go forward.
"I'm hoping that our speed on the wings though will be the decider."
While many of the more experienced Emus and Bulldogs have played representative rugby together and are well aware of each others' capabilities, Waterford feels Bathurst's new players could surprise.
If they can continue to execute the basics, Bulldogs will be hard to beat.
Want a discounted subscription to follow Bathurst sport this winter? Click here
"It's our newer girls who are stepping up and playing really well that they won't know, that I guess will be good for us. That could be an advantage we have," Waterford said.
"If we can keep playing our simple footy, which is working really well for us, it should get us there.
"Our motto is let's just do the basics right and the basics well."
Saturday's match at Ashwood Park kicks off at 10.30am, marking the start of ladies day.
