TACKLE: Nic Walker takes on three players from the Leeton side in an attempt to break through the line of defence.
After a tough trip to the MIA a fortnight ago, the tables have turned for Yabbies who hosted the Leeton Phantoms on Saturday in U/17s, 2nds and 1sts. Bouncing back, it was the Yabbies who were successful in all three grades.
It was the U/17s kicking off the day on the right foot. Battling an under strength Leeton team, the U/17s were ruthless in their performance and demolished their opposition, running out winners to the tune of 86-3.
It was a fantastic way for the U/17s to start their home performances for the season, but coach James Shannon is aware that there is plenty of room for improvement within the squad
In 2nd grade it was also the home teams first performance at Cranfield this season.
In a much closer battle than the U/17s, it was the Yabbies 2nd grade team grinding out a very courageous victory, coming from behind with just three minutes remaining, eventually winning 17-14.
Strong performers for 2nd grade were Louis De Frenchie, Nathanial Coles and Adam Walsh.
It was a gutsy performance from the Yabbies and one that hopefully sets the scene for home performances for the remainder of the season.
In the main game it was the home team starting on the right foot, from the first backline play a swift move and break from Zac Davidson had the opposition pinned deep in their own territory.
The game was then shut down by Leetons tactics to slow down the play and simple errors from the Yabbies players.
With a less than ordinary first half performance, the half time talk from the Yabbies coach highlighted some areas of concern that needed improvement for the Yabbies to execute in the 2nd half to overcome their opposition.
Some improved sections of play in the second half allowed the Yabbies to score some entertaining tries, in the end running out victors 42-24.
Although the performance was less than convincing, the victory allowed Yabbies to remain undefeated at home.
The best performer for Young was Nic Walker with 3 tries and 6 conversions while he was well supported by Sam Bunny at number 10.
Heading to Wagga tomorrow to face Ag College will be an entirely different challenge to last weekend’s games.
Ag College are currently undefeated in all grades (3rds, 2nds and 1sts) and are also last seasons grand finalists in the premier competition.
The players have identified some areas of focus at training this week and will need to execute the plans to nullify these areas and give themselves a strong chance of victory.
The club is looking forward to a big month of rugby, seeing the team return home on May 12 to verse Tumut for a juniors day (junior exhibition matches, petting zoo and jumping castle), while also holding the annual ladies day on May 26, versing Wagga City at Cranfield Oval (in conjunction with the McGrath Foundation charity).
The club is also pleased to announce this week that a bi-annual black tie ball is scheduled to be held for July 7 this year, so it is a nice early notice to save this date.
The club is hopeful of a successful day tomorrow at Wagga as it looks to put everything on the line against the in form club of the SIRU competition.
Effort and commitment will be crucial tomorrow and the club believes the players have the potential to overcome the massive challenge and topple the ladder leaders. Go the Yabbies!
