TRYC gunning for top spot in Farrer League
After sitting on top of the ladder for the majority of the season, TRYC lost first spot a few weeks ago when it lost to Temora but the Magpies were reinstated to the position last round when the Kangaroos suffered an upset defeat at the hands of North Wagga.
Temora’s loss, coupled with TRYC’s thumping win over Northern Jets, meant the Magpies moved back into first position on the ladder and into the best position to secure the minor premiership with three rounds remaining until the finals.
The minor premier will receive a break in the opening week of the finals series and will then have the opportunity to win straight through to the grand final in the second semi-final in week two.
The opportunity to rest some bodies in the opening week of the finals series would be appealing to TRYC and Mazzocchi said the Magpies would be determined to continue winning to follow this path in their premiership bid.
“Now that we have been handed the opportunity we would love to take it,” Mazzocchi said.
“I thought we had given it away when Temora beat us but now that we are back in first spot we definitely want to keep it.
“It (first spot) would be great but it is just as important that we keep winning so we keep up our own form heading into the finals.”
TRYC finished second last season and the Magpies played three pressure-filled finals before grand final day when they went down to Temora on the big stage.
Mazzocchi said TRYC would welcome the chance to tread an easier physical path this season.
“I think it (first position) would give us a big advantage with the week off,” Mazzocchi said.
“If you look at last year we had to play four really hard finals (including the grand final).
“We had to carry some blokes through the finals with injuries and come the grand final I think we definitely had a few players with some sore bodies.
“Finals footy means the tempo goes up and the physical contests are harder and the footy is just quicker so a break would be an advantage for sure.”
While the minor premiership is the aim, Mazzocchi insisted TRYC would be focussed on its next assignment against Coleambally at Coleambally Sportsground on Saturday.
It will be the start of a challenging two weeks on the road with TRYC also set to travel to play Northern Jets the following week.
“We have a hard fortnight coming up with Coly away and then Jets at Jets,” Mazzocchi said.
“We are definitely expecting a tough battle against Coleambally.
“They are always harder to beat on their home deck and we are ready for a hard contest and a hard game.”
Mazzocchi revealed TRYC would be close to full-strength for the game against bottom-placed Coleambally with only ruckman Jason Smith set to miss the clash.
“We are going to pick our best available side,” Mazzocchi said.
“We are looking for a big performance this weekend.
“At this stage it looks like we will be only missing Jason Smith so we will be pretty strong.”
Farrer League – round 14
Saturday
Temora v EWK at Nixon Park
Northern Jets v North Wagga at Ardlethan Sportsground
Coleambally v TRYC at Coleambally Sportsground
Marrar v CSU at Langtry Oval
