New-look Dogs too strong and fast for Cowboys
THE COWBOYS may have been Bulldogged 34-14 at Jack Woolaston Oval, North Tamworth on Saturday but they showed they are in for another bucking Group 4 Second Division ride in 2002.
Gunnedah Bulldogs were too strong and fast for the Dungowan Cowboys in one of the first trial matches of the Group 4 Rugby League season.
The new-look Bulldogs, with co-coaches Wayne Griffiths and Peter Ryman at the helm and new signings Brad Smith and Chris Allen beefing up a forward pack including the returning Craig Smith, appear set for a good season.
Dungowan Cowboys, under new coach Wayne Brook, did well and showed plenty of commitment, enthusiasm and fitness to warn its West Leagues Shield opponents it can go one better than last year.
New signings Peter Redgewell and Brett Launt impressed for the Shield runners-up and will be major assets in the pack.
Brook also liked the look of younger players Adam Lye, Ben Tongue and Chris Thomas.
"Chris hasn't played for a couple of years but looked good and will be a great replacement for Peter Rushbrook," Brook said.
"We just lack a little in the outside backs."
The Cowboys have their next trial against Manilla in Manilla in three weeks' time before playing in the March 23/24 West Leagues Knockout.
Gunnedah Bulldogs were preparing for its Country Challenge Cup first- round clash against Warialda at Kitchener Park, Gunnedah next Sunday.
New signings Allen and Brad Smith fitted in well to a side spearheaded by Ryman and young halfback Matt Sheridan.
Ryman scored three tries at five-eighth and Sheridan steered the pack around in fine style.
Hooker Brad Harris was one of the side's best and Craig Smith made a great return after sitting out the past two seasons to race dirt track sidecars.
Griffiths said Harris had worked hard on changing his tackling style and that showed on Saturday, along with his fitness.
"Matt Sheridan is going to be a real plus for us this season," Griffiths said.
"The boys said he didn't talk much last year but I've been at him and at him all through training. We sat down and had a good talk on the role of the halfback."
His service was sharp on Saturday allowing the free-running Ryman and centre Richard Turner plenty of opportunities.
GUNNEDAH 34 (Peter Ryman 3, Wayne Grosser, Richard Turner, Locke tries, Ryman 5gls) d DUNGOWAN 14 (Matt Cotter 2, Peter Green tries, Michael Spinks gl)
Northern Daily Leader 17/02/02
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