Cowra captain Josh Rainbow can’t wait to have a crack at the Group 10 premiership this year, having not played finals footy since 2013.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The hard running second-rower has been outstanding for the Magpies all year and wants his players to make the most of the opportunity they now have, and push for a grand final berth.
He says the team isn’t fazed by the minor premiership title despite being well and truly in the race.
Orange Hawks have a one point buffer on the Pies, but they face a tougher end to the year.
Hawks hosts Oberon this week and travel away to Mudgee to finish the year while Cowra hosts Mudgee on Sunday and ends its season at Lithgow.
“There’s plenty of excitement I’m hoping we can keep going. It was 2014 when Cowra last played in the finals and they were beat by St Pat’s in the final. I think everyone in town is excited at the moment,” Rainbow said.
“In 2013 I played in the semis with Blayney but we got knocked out first round. I’m really looking forward to seeing how far we can go this year. I think we can take it out.”
Rainbow said there’s been a focus on “building” towards the finals.
Victories over CYMS, Blayney, Panthers and Pat’s has helped the Magpies gather steam in the past few weeks.
Rainbow echoed Warren Williams comments after the Pat’s victory that Cowra won’t be “losing sleep” if they don’t take out the minor title.
Rainbow simply wants a ticket to the grand final.
“We’re out nipping at Hawks’ heels and keeping them honest,” he said.
“If the minor premiership comes up we’ll take it but we’re focused on getting the grand final that’s what we want. If we get the minor premiership that’s a bonus but we’re not going to lose sleep over it. We’re just aiming for that grand final.”
Mudgee travels to Sid Kallas Oval on Sunday and Rainbow’s placed an emphasis on defence, knowing the Dragons pack can be difficult to tackle.
“We have points in us all over the park so if can keep them to minimal points we should be right. We just need to keep our heads together and talk up.”
The match is scheduled for a 2pm start and coincides with the Magpies’ Let’s Tackle Domestic Violence round.
The junior club’s under 14s will also be on deck to present first grade their jumpers.
Cowra: 1 Jeremy Gordon, 2 Caley Mok, 3 Bradyn Cassidy, 4 Lee McClintock, 5 Zac Browne, 6 Warren Williams, 7 Joseph Bugg, 8 Zach Starr, 9 Benji John, 10 Will Ingram, 11 Jay McClintock, 12 Josh Rainbow, 13 Ronald Lawrence. 14 Ben Gunn, 15 Tom Gunn, 16 Travis Wanninara, 17 John Grant. Coach: Steve Sutton
