First grade Pickers ponder 0-6 start to 2018 season

Skill errors at crucial times led to the Young Cherrypickers first grade team suffering its sixth loss in a row in last weekend’s Group Nine competition game against Albury.

Despite the poor start to the season Coach James Woolford said there were positives to take from the game.

“Our effort and attitude is getting a lot better with each game,” he said. “The way we execute our skills could be a lot better but we will keep working on that.

“We had our chances but just couldn’t convert them into points, it was great to see a few young players make their debut and really take the chance to impress.”

Woolford said the Cherrypickers must look to improve their skills.

“”We lost because we dropped the ball and gave away penalties at crucial times in the game and we could not defend each error we made,” he said.

“We need to play to our strengths and build pressure when we need to in games.

“We travel to Wagga on Saturday to play the Kangaroos and it will be a tough test. I assure our supporters that we are working hard towards getting a win.”

Best: Kyle Richens and Aaron Slater.

The Reserve Grade lifted its effort in the second half and finished in front 22 to 18 against the Thunder last weekend.

Cherrypickers Coach Matt Murray said his team did not play to its full potential in the first half.

“We had a sloppy first half riddled with simple errors,” he said.

“But to their credit the boys came out in the second half and played some good footy. I think the game swung our way due to our disciplined teamwork in the second half.

“It was close but we were able to snatch the win with only a couple of minutes remaining.”

Murray said he was proud of the way his team came back in the second half.

“Our comeback in the second half was pleasing considering we were down 18 to 4 at one point,” he said.

“We were rewarded with the win and I am proud of the way the boys hung in there.

“We head to Wagga to play the Kangaroos on Saturday which will be a big game for us.

“They are level with us on the ladder and I will be looking for a 60 minute performance from the boys.”

Best: Will Manwarring.

The under 18s Young Cherrypickers defeated Albury 24-16

Team spokesman Brad Pettit said the win was due to repeat efforts from the team.

“They won through hard work on a very cold day,” he said. 

Pettit said a positive to take from the game was the team’s form in the second half.

“You could see the game swing our way after an outstanding 20 minutes in the second half just after half time,” he said.

“It is good to see some reward for all the hard work through hours of training.

“Nick Maloney crossed for two try’s, Will Hills got one and Nick Hall got one.

Jacob Lucas kicked four goals and he was our best player.

The under 16 Cherrypickers defeated Albury 26-16 in a game that was a good team performance.

Coach Kyle Richens said he was happy with the team’s game.

“I was pretty happy with how the boys played,” he said. 

“We now have two weeks off before coming up against Wagga Brothers. 

“Our stand out players were Ethan Newham, Harry Fitzpatrick and Nick Jenkins.”

The Young women were defeated by Albury 48-0

A spokesperson for the League Tag team said they expected a hard game from Albury.

“Albury is very good side and made us pay for every mistake we made,” the spokesperson said.

“We couldn’t  gain any momentum, we were always on the back foot and could not get ahead.

“But I think we are still great side and are more than ready to take on Roos next week.”