Wagga teams get off to strong starts at Junior State Cup Southern Conference

Watson's side got off to a flying start on Friday by winning their opening two games against Lower Blue Mountains (5-3) and Yass (9-4).

They played their second match straight after the first, with COVID restrictions allowing only 3000 people to be on the facility at any one time.

Teams will play three consecutive games on Saturday before being asked to leave the premises, but Watson believes his side is ready for the challenge.

"Physically it hasn't changed our preparation, but it becomes a mental thing I think," he said.

"That's what we've been talking about, but the good thing is we've known for a long time it's going to be this way, so we've been able to prepare for it.

"We're happy with how we've started. It's been a long preparation and a difficult year and to get those first two wins is great."

Watson said the players are simply rapt to be back playing competitive sport again after COVID wiped out much of last year's opportunities.

"It's good for all junior sport and great for Wagga obviously. It's disappointing it can't be full steam but it's better than not having it at all," he said.

:"Every team wants to win it. We've set ourselves a goal to make sure that every time we come off the field we've made sure we've done our best, and so far we have."

Watson is also hopeful the event will continue to be played at Wagga, with this year's carnival the last instalment of a three year deal.

"I really hope it does. It's great for Wagga and economy wise it's been a tough year for everybody," he said.

The Vipers under-14 girls also enjoyed an ideal start with twin 5-0 wins over Canterbury and Parramatta, while Wagga under-10 girls, under-12 boys, under-14 boys and under-16 boys have perfect records after two games.

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