The Cowra Eagles second grade side fell short in their recent match against Orange Emus, a performance marked by unforced errors and a lack of physicality in key areas.
While the team remained competitive throughout and never completely lost grip of the game, it was their own mistakes, especially in the second half, that led to the final result of 20-24 Emu’s way.
“Just our own mistakes,” Coach, Chris Miller, said.
“We just kept dropping the ball at crucial times in the second half and couldn’t get enough ascendancy.”
“We were our own worst enemies at times,” he said.
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Unlike typical matches where one big moment can swing the result, this game didn’t hinge on a single play.
Instead, it was a slow fade, with errors compounding and momentum slipping.
“I don’t think there was any real turning point,” Miller said.
“I think we were always in it, we just never clinched the win.”
One major issue was the lineout, where Cowra struggled to gain an advantage.
“We probably could’ve changed course with our lineouts,” Miller said.
“We were getting dominated there, and that didn’t help our cause,” he said.
Despite the frustrations, the team’s resilience remained intact.
“They handled the challenges fairly well,” Miller said.
“We lacked a bit of punch at the breakdown, but the boys kept at it.”
That lack of physicality in contested areas is now the main focus heading into the finals.
Miller said the energy in the squad has stayed strong in the wake of the loss.
With finals looming, the group is determined to turn things around.
“Team spirit is pretty good,” Miller said.
“We know we’ve got better performances in us, and that’s a pleasing thing at this time of year.”
“The boys are really pumped up,” he said.
The return of key players also lifted spirits.
Captain Jackson Moodie was a welcome presence after time away, and co-captain Tom Cummins continued to lead from the front.
“It was good to see our captain back on the field.” Miller said.
“He put in a good stint.”
“Tom always leads from the front,” he said.
Training sessions have sharpened focus, particularly around breakdown intensity and team communication, two areas the coach sees as critical in finals footy.
“We’ve been working on being more physical at the breakdown,” Miller said.
“If we can do that and generate quicker ball, our backs will have more space to work with.”
“Communication is another big focus,” he said.
As the team prepares for the next challenge, Miller made it clear that success now rests on the shoulders of the players.
“It’s up to them,” Miller said.
“They need to decide how they want to finish the season and how far they’re willing to push themselves.”
“If they can get their heads right and play smart footy, they’ll be very hard to beat,” he said.
