Group Nine players are expected to dominant the Riverina under 23s side for the Country Championships following a massive win over Group 20 on Saturday.
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Three tries in the first 10 minutes down the left edge set the tone for a 66-6 win at Equex Centre.
With Group 20 plagued by late withdrawals Group Nine looked more than a cut above.
After a strong training effort on Thursday night, coach James Smart went in expecting a strong performance.
“I was just impressed with how they trained so I knew that if we turned up, and held onto the football, there is so much talent in the team we would be able put some points on,” Smart said.
“I’m just happy the boys were able to do that and all showed what they can do and press for selection.”
Group Nine’s slick back line dominated.
Jack Lyons, Mitch Bennett and Tristan Dickson all crossed for a double, but it was the forward pack that really impressed Smart.
Group 20 had size of their side, but didn’t have the same impact.
“The boys in the middle did a really good job,” Smart said.
“We played really simple early and guys like Aaron Slater, Matt Henery and Hayden Philp got us going forward early.
“They laid the platform and the guys coming off the bench as well were outstanding in Zac Masters and James Hay.
“They just continued the work the starting props did.”
Group Nine were going at a point a minute in the first half while Group 20 only had a late try to Rhys Wilesmith to show for their efforts.
Things didn’t get much better in the shortened second half as Troy Barby crossed for a quickfire double.
Zac Masters also scored following a good offload from James Hay before Dickson sealed the win with a 35-metre try.
On the injury front, Temora captain-coach Sam Elwin sustained an ankle injury in the first half while Southcity winger Jack Lyons did not take any part in the second.
Meanwhile Group 20 has regained the mantle as the region’s best in leaguetag.
Group Nine defeated Group 20 for the first time last season, but Group 20 hit back for a 22-14 victory.
FULL-TIME
GROUP NINE 66 (T Dixon 2, J Lyons 2, M Bennett 2, T Barby 2, J Ballard, T Gorman, Z Masters, S Tracey tries; S Tracey 9 goals) d GROUP 20 6 (R Wilesmith try, M Punchard goal)
Leaguetag
GROUP 20 22 (A Poulsen, L Misiloi, M Payne, L Katoa tries; U Ravu 2, E Baddock goals) d GROUP NINE 14 (E Perrot 2, R Glanville tries; E Perrot goal)