Mustangs give Brothers a touch up in trial match
RUGBY LEAGUE: The Western Mustangs U20s have continued their promising start to the pre-season with another trial win.
The Hastings Deering Colts side proved far too strong for a Brothers A/reserve grade team at Glenholme Park, running away 48-10 winners.
In a dominant showing that backed up their previous defeat of Ipswich the week prior, coach Eugene Seddon said he was pleased with how the side has been able to put things together throughout the early stages of the pre-season.
“It was a good hitout,” Seddon said.
“We went there with a purpose of increasing players minutes from that Ipswich game.
“We identified that our game management had to be a bit better. But we were able to tick a few boxes and we’re continuing to build through this trial period.”
While the attacking flair of the Mustangs was on full display, Seddon said he was most pleased with the defensive efforts of his team.
“We had a dominant first half which laid the platform for us,” he said.
“We took a first and second half team into the game, and the boys were able to get themselves deep in opposition territory.
“The defensive effort is what has been shining through however.
“We’ve conceded 14 points over the last two weeks. It’s something we’ve spoken about at the start of the pre-season.
“The minor premiers averaged eight points against and the average if you want to make the top-eight is 14 or under.
“Ours has been up around 38 and 44 over the last two years. It’s an area we want to improve and we need to compare ourselves against the best to get there.”
Originally Brothers was scheduled to face Beerwah, however due to unforeseen circumstances the visitors forfeited the encounter.
That left a spot to be filled, and with the Mustangs desperate for match fitness prior to round one, accepted the call.
Seddon said attention will now turn to their final test against Easts before the season proper begins.
“We’re really appreciative of Brothers approaching us on such short notice,” he said.
“That third trial is something that we were after and we were starting to think that wasn’t going to eventuate, so we’re thankful to Dave Anderson (Brothers coach) and Pat Johnson (Brothers president) for giving us that opportunity.
“We’ll now look towards Easts on Saturday. We’re only looking to take down 19-22 players and this game will be a good indication of where we’re at.”