The prospect of a 20-hour round trip would be daunting for even the most seasoned sports teams but that’s what the Wagga Blaze must overcome if they’re to climb the Division One Waratah League ladder this weekend.
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The women’s team will travel to Sydney on Friday night before heading north to Coffs Harbour and the second-placed Suns on Saturday.
After that, it’s inland to Tamworth for a date with the Thunderbolts.
Blaze coach Peter O’Leary produced the understatement of the year in labelling the schedule “somewhat challenging” but said his players were committed to the taxing double-header.
“We’ve got a full squad of 10 players on board including our two development players, Madeleine Clear and Amelia Hassett, so everyone should get a run this weekend,” he said.
“We offered Madeleine and Amelia the option of coming along and they took it with both hands outstretched.
“They’re keen and they’ll get plenty of time on the court.”
More than three weeks have passed since the Blaze downed Newcastle for their second win of the season and O’Leary is confident his side can pick up points on the road.
“Training has been pretty good and we had a good Monday night session this week,” he said.
“I don’t think there’s too many problems there so we’re definitely looking sealing at least one win this weekend.”
Coffs Harbour stole a 58-50 win from Wagga off the back of a fourth-quarter blitz last time they met while Tamworth won’t be easy beats.
“We were with Coffs Harbour until the end last time,” O’Leary said.
“They’re a quality team and it’ll take everything we’ve got to beat them.
“On the other hand, we haven’t seen Tamworth yet this year but we know it’ll be anyone’s game.”
O’Leary said his team would be targeting “one or two” Tamworth players in an attempt to seal a top four spot.
