Wellington Cowboys captain-coach Aidan Ryan described the first half of Sunday’s match as “woeful” as the Parkes Spacemen unleashed on their visitors in Round 7 of Group 11.
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The Cowboys were handed a 40-12 loss by the second-placed Spacemen at Pioneer Oval, from which 36 points were scored in first half.
Aidan said Parkes captain-coach Dennis Moran did damage out wide as he capitalised on inexperience.
“Moran is a class player and tore us to shreds out side,” he said.
The Cowboys turned up the tempo in second half to outplay the Spacemen, a move Aidan believes is an indication of the capability they have to offer.
“We only conceded one try in second half and ended up scoring two to beat them in second half 12-4,” he said.
“We know we can stick it with them but you’ve got to play 80 minutes and we only played 40 minutes on Sunday so it was a bit disappointing.
“You’ve got to be switched on every week and we just haven’t been closing our games good enough but hopefully that comes now we’re half way through the season.”
He put the inconsistency down to a lack of dedication by players.
“It’s a bit hard when I’ve got unreliable blokes that are letting us down every week,” he said.
In turn Aidan praised the effort of Under 18s players who stepped up to the mark on Sunday. Brock Maden and Mac Dutfield were among several players who put in a commendable performance.
“Nathan Stuart had a massive game on the wing – he would’ve had over 25 hit-ups, for a winger that’s pretty tremendous,” he said.
“Ben McGregor our front rower just every week is busting his guts playing 80 minutes in front row.
“Pretty thankful we’ve got blokes like him.”
Aidan said young halfback Will Lusick was also a standout.
The Cowboys will host the fourth-placed Forbes Magpies at home this weekend, and with the side at full strength Aidan said he would be surprised if they don’t get the points.
“They’re a top side but if we come out blazing I think we could be competitive with them, I don’t know if we could beat them but I know we could match them,” Aidan said.
“I’ll stick with the blokes who are sticking by me at the moment – I’m trying to change the culture here and not have unreliable blokes think just because it’s a home game they can show up and get a run-on.
“I think there’s a bit of confusion in the club at the moment with people wanting to play Reserve Grade and not First, but once they get their priorities straight and the committee stand by me and let me make the decision on who plays First and Reserve Grade we’ll be able to move forward as a club.”
