UNDEFEATED through seven rounds there is no denying Bathurst Bulldogs are the form side of the Blowes Clothing Cup, but that record also serves to fuel the desire of their rivals each Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
That is why coach Dean Oxley is drumming into his players the importance of continued improvement, the need to avoid complacency and not getting "caught up in the statistics of the wins".
It is a message he has stressed again this week as the Bulldogs prepare to host Cowra at Ashwood Park.
The Eagles currently sit in second, eight points behind Bulldogs, and their only loss thus far in 2019 came at the hands of the Bathurst side.
"I'm really happy that they are staying on track, not taking anyone lightly or getting away from what we work on at training," Oxley said of his squad.
"It will be a different test this weekend. Cowra is building and they would have been very disappointed with the outcome with the loss at Cowra against us. There was a large crowd there and a lot of feeling both on and off the field and we got away with a win on that day, coming from behind in the last 10 minutes.
"We were very lucky not to be down by more at the end of the first half, we scored late to make it 18-12. That gap being bridged gave us a bit more belief that we could come back and get the job done."
READ MORE: Bulldogs scrape past the gallant Eagles
Bulldogs won that match 28-18 and in the two games since, have notched up 117 points for while conceding just 13. It has helped them to an impressive +183 points differential, but Oxley knows maintaining that will not be easy.
"We are still having to work really hard, dealing with the strength of the opposition and being able to nullify what they are throwing at us is what has made it possible to be undefeated. But it has been the bounce of the ball in some of those games," he said.
"We are under no illusions that we are going to have to get better because every other side is improving."
As has been the case most Saturdays, Oxley has again been forced to alter his starting line up as James Woolmington is unavailable.
His spot in the centres will be filled by Brenton Gibson.
Gibson, who has been named in the Central West representative side for Country Championships, is making his return from injury.
Winger Nick Rankine, who made his debut last Saturday, has retained his spot.
"When we have injuries or unavailabilities, people get an opportunity. They have played well and deserve to remain until there's another change," Oxley said.
Want a discounted subscription to follow Bathurst sport this winter? Click here
While the first grade battle should be a good one, it is just one of five matches scheduled for a bumper day of rugby at Ashwood Park.
"We normally have three locations and our resources are split, so it's a big day for the club this weekend," Oxley said.
"It's great to have everyone together, we are really looking forward to being together as a club and connected."
The firsts, seconds and women will play Cowra, Bulldogs colts will meet Dubbo Rhinos, while in third grade the Bathurst club is set to battle Mudgee. Action starts at noon, with first grade to kick-off at 3.15pm.
