Sutton identified a lack of depth in the front row as Cowra’s biggest concern, and captain Josh Rainbow, prop Blake Tidswell and fullback Jeremy Gordon as the most impressive so far.

He said the final stages of last week’s 30-28 loss to CYMS at Wade Park was the best Cowra’s looked all year, the commitment of attitude of the players was something Sutton was truly proud of.

He’s hoping to “bottle” that effort and carry it into this Sunday’s round four Group 10 clash against the winless Blayney Bears at Sid Kallas Oval.

“There was a big improvement last week, especially how we finished the game. If we can bottle that into an 80 minute performance we’ll beat any team in the competition,” Sutton said.

“I’m happy with where we are. I think we caught Oberon at a good time, we didn’t turn up with the right mental attitude against Hawks but I couldn’t fault our attitude and commitment last week.”

One win and back-to-back losses leaves Cowra in fifth place on the ladder behind Bathurst St Pat’s and Orange CYMS unbeaten on top.

Sutton says his bench hasn’t had the impact he would have liked so far, having watched CYMS’ interchange players change the game last week.

“We’re still on the look out for a front rower. We’re lacking a bit of depth in the front row and I think that was telling last week, CYMS brought on Tyrone Harrison and he changed the game.

“My bench just hasn’t had that impact. Poor Picky [Will Ingram] has been playing 70 minutes of reserve grade and being asked to back up for another half of football.”

But overall Sutton’s pleased with how the Magpies are building, and a light training on Tuesday after a physical outing at Wade Park has the players raring to go.

“We need to get back on the winners’ list and we’ll be doing everything in our power on Sunday to achieve that,” Sutton said.

“We’re not taking Blayney lightly by any stretch of the imagination. They improved hugely in their last game against Hawks and Cowra and Blayney games over the years have been notorious for upsets.”

The match is set for a 2pm start following the lower grade beginning at 10am.