The Young Cherrypickers Rugby League Club is well on track for multiple 2017 finals appearances from A-grade to under 16s if current form is anything to go by.
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Club President Robert Bush said the first-grade side is currently placed third, only two points (one win) behind first placed South City.
“They seem to be growing as a group and learning each others game as each week passes,” he said.
“I think the whole club would be disappointed if first grade didn’t make the finals now. They are well placed to finish in the top three which will give them two chances come final time.
“We are just past the midway point of the season and to have four out of the five grades in the top five and the league tag side just out of the five is a great result for the club, but the job is only half done.”
Mr Bush said the first-grade side is very capable of scoring points and its attack is one reason they are doing so well as is the depth in reserve grade.
“Our seniors are a tight bunch and every week is a hard decision for selectors as there are some players pushing for selection in the first-grade side every week,” he said.
“The depth in our reserve grade side has a lot to do with the success of the first-grade side.”
Mr Bush said Greg LeStrage and Cameron Jones have the reserve grade side on track to finish in the top five and from there anything is possible.
“The reggie’s have been a surprise package this year, and it’s great to see so many players back in the ‘Pickers’ jumper that have been away from the game for a while,” he said.
Mr Bush said he found it difficult to single out any individual players at the club.
“Our forwards as a group are as strong as any forward pack in the competition and play very tough,” he said.
“They give our half-back Raymond Talimalie plenty of time to weave his magic.
Mr Bush said the culture at the club has changed over the past couple of years which has all players and committee aiming for the same results.
“We are very happy with the juniors that have been coming through the grades over the past years and contributing to the first-grade side, making it easy to build a team around them that is competitive,” he said.
“Our 16s are on top of the table, and our 18s are currently equal fourth, which looks good for the future of the club, we have a great group of coaches and support staff to guide the players.
“The support we have been getting from the businesses and the town is unbelievable, so we are a pretty happy club.”