Defence effort a winner for Pride
New focus produces 28-10 victory over Blackhawks in Gordonvale
THE Northern Pride has produced a strong defensive performance to defeat southern rivals Townsville Blackhawks 28-10 in their final trial match at Gordonvale’s Alley Park on Saturday night.
Coach Ty Williams said he was impressed with his team’s attitude and effort in defence on the night, which had been a focus for the team during their pre-season training.
“Defensively, it’s an attitude thing,” he said.
“A couple of times they (the Blackhawks) split us, but we had Evan (Child) cover across in the first quarter and then Connor (Jones) get back and pick up the ball in the in-goal in the fourth quarter, so our attitude to do that was something that stood out.
“It’s something that we’ve been talking about — attitude to details — and the boys did it really well there.
Williams thought the way the Pride transitioned between attack and defence was really good. “We caught and dragged them pretty well there,” he said.
“Across the board, it’s something we’ve worked really hard on. We’ll continue to work on our attacking structures more as the season goes on and as we go up against quality opponents.”
The Pride welcomed back big boppers Will Bugden and co-captains Tom Hancock and David Murphy for the trial, but former Southern Suburbs junior Aidan Day was the standout of the forward pack, relishing a return to Alley Park.
“Aidan was outstanding,” Williams said.
“That’s his second solid hitout. It was his home ground so he obviously wanted to perform well, but he got 65 minutes out for a front rower, which was really good.
“He was probably our best on ground.”
Williams said new recruits Denzel King and Cameron Torpy both had an impact off the bench.
“(Denzel) came on and was really explosive through the middle,” Williams said. “He gives us that X-factor: he picks up the footy and just plays what’s in front.
“Cameron Torpy is coming back from six months out of the game. It was his second good hitout after last weekend’s trial, so we’re really happy with where he’s at.”