BATHURST Panthers were hopeful that their derby fightback against St Pat's would set the tone for their Group 10 under 18s league tag campaign but the side has suffered their second defeat since that day.
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Panthers went down 30-14 to the Dubbo Raidettes at Carrington Park on Sunday, but the Bathurst juniors are holding their heads high in defeat.
The hosts weren't blown off the park by the Raidettes and the Panthers forced them to earn their victory, much like they did against Mudgee a week earlier.
Panthers captain Mel Dwyer said it just comes back to fundamentals.
"We had a few new girls join us this week and they fitted in really well with the group," she said.
"I think we just need to work on our simple catching and passing. If we can improve on that then I feel like we can be pretty dangerous.
"They were a little more experienced than us and I think they've played together for a bit longer as well."
Given the number of new players in the team and the disruptive build up to the covid-affected season it's not all bad news for the Panthers.
In fact, Dwyer said the team are simply enjoying the chance to be on the field and playing together.
We had a few new girls join us this week and they fitted in really well with the group.
- Mel Dwyer
"It's very exciting," she said.
"All the girls enjoy it so much. We go to training and the games and have a really good time.
"Jess [Hotham, coach] does a great job in making it a bit more of a social thing as well so it's great."
An Orange double up is now on the cards for the Panthers squad.
Panthers will travel for their next clash this Sunday against the Orange Hawks. Following that, the club returns home for a meeting against Orange CYMS.
DUBBO RAIDETTES 30 defeated BATHURST PANTHERS 14
Alexander Grant
Part of the Western Advocate's sports desk in Bathurst.
Part of the Western Advocate's sports desk in Bathurst.
