Cowra Magpies front-rower Blake Tidswell has taken responsibility of leading his side up the middle during the opening few rounds of the Group 10 season.
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Tidswell’s enjoying the challenge of getting Cowra rolling forward, as 2016 captain Ronald Lawrence continues a slow transition to playing full-time recovering from surgery after suffering a face injury in preseason.
Tidswell says it’s been a promising start for the Magpies, who face their toughest test against Orange CYMS this Sunday.
The match marks Cowra’s first of four home games in a row, and Tidswell wants to take advantage.
“We’re coming into four home games in a row so if we can get some wins in these round one games it’ll give us plenty of confidence going into the second round,” Tidswell said.
“The last few years they [CYMS] have had a really fast paced game. They have lost Simon Osbourne but they have had Chis Bamford replace him, he’ll take some handling.
“Coming off the back of our performance last week, I’m confident we can do that.”
Defence has been key to Cowra’s promising start to 2017, conceding just 48 points in three outings and 30 of those coming against Oberon on the road.
Tidswell identified the areas where he believes the Magpies have improved.
“Our line speed is quite quick and we’re trusting the man inside us. We do have room for improvement but it’s looking like it’ll be a good defensive season for us,” Tidswell said.
Despite the 38-point triumph at Blayney, Tidswell learnt the Magpies can’t afford to give their opponents easy starts.
“Our first 10 minutes wasn’t good enough [against Blayney]. We weren’t completing our sets or getting to kicks and they scored first. We clicked into gear and ended up piling in 42 points and not letting them in.”
While admitting to taking some extra responsibility, Tidswell praised his fellow big men who have also toiled away during the first three weeks.
With Lawrence on the mend, the Magpies middle shapes as a genuine strength in 2017.
“The last year or two we’ve only really had one front rower on the bench. This year we have four or five blokes who can play front row which is a good feeling when you’re replaced,” Tidswell said.
“Ronny’s [Lawrence] been there each week, talking to us. I think we’ve managed well without him but it will be a boost when he’s back playing full-time.
“I guess I have taken some responsibility.”
The Magpies host Orange CYMS at Sid Kallas Oval this Sunday.
