Marrar coach Shane Lenon admits they have some ‘work to do’ after Saturday’s 47-point loss to North Wagga.
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The result cost the reigning premiers top spot on the ladder (on percentage) and their unbeaten record this year. .
Lenon’s philosophy is that there are always lessons in losses and they are better learnt in the middle of the season than during a finals campaign.
“That's the way we approach it,” Lenon said. “It's a long season and you know you're not going to go through a whole year and win every game.
"We get to the end of the first round at seven (wins) and one (loss). If you had have asked me ‘would you take that at the start of the year’, I would've taken it straight away.
"Obviously, a top-of-the-table clash, you'd like to be winning a game like that. But we weren't good enough.’
There was a hint of déjà vu about the result too, given Marrar’s first loss last year was also to North Wagga at McPherson Oval, in round seven, when the Saints kicked away in the last quarter.
They only dropped one more game in the home-and-away season and one final, both to Temora, against whom they exacted the ultimate revenge on grand final day.
The difference this year was that North Wagga were dominant after half-time, and had 25 scoring shots to Marrar’s eight.
“After half-time, we were completely outplayed so that’s a credit to them. And we’ve got a bit of work to do,” Lenon said.
“They're a good side. They’re going to take some beating.”
Defender Clint Taylor was a game-day withdrawal for Marrar, adding to an injury list including Jeremy Rowe, Jack Reynolds, Shannon Williams, key forwards John Hoey, Nate Mooney and Brad Turner (who hasn’t played at all this year) while Brad Langtry was unavailable.
“We did (have a few out) but you know my thoughts on that – there’s no excuses,” Lenon said.
“We had 21 blokes just like they did and we weren't good enough on the day.”
Their second half of the season gets underway against Charles Sturt University at Langtry Oval on Saturday.
Marrar outclassed the Bushpigs by 10 goals in their first meeting but Lenon noted their improvement compared to last year and will be wary of their continued development 10 weeks on.
CSU have won half of their eight games, claiming victory in four of their last five outings.