Saints plot finals run
AUSSIE RULES: Getting results in Kingaroy has never been an issue for South Burnett in the Allied Pickfords Cup.
Travelling on the road and coming back with the four points has been another matter, coming to a head last year.
The Saints lost seven of their eight games away from Lyle Vidler Oval, six by more than 50 points and four by triple digits.
It’s an area that coach Andrew Foley put an emphasis on improving in 2020, as well as trying to keep a consistent 22 on the paddock.
“We’re much more consistent this year,” Foley said.
“We put some building blocks in place last year, where there was a high turnover of players. This year is a slightly smaller group but the commitment has improved.
“One of the places we notice it is the scoreboard. There was a big discrepancy between our performances at home and on the road.
“Other than one defeat to Goondiwindi, all our other efforts have been more consistent, and that’s been really important for us.”
With a large contingent of youth in the squad, Foley said he hopes they can continue to peak at the right stage of the season as they look to secure a finals berth.
“We’re a very young team and there’s always room for improvement,” he said.
“I’d like to think if we can keep learning every week, we’ll be much better placed to go into the finals on an upswing as opposed to limping to the line.
“We’re getting to know each other more and more and really gelling together. I think that puts us in good stead.”
South Burnett can potentially seal their spot in the top four with a victory at home to the Toowoomba Tigers today, but Foley isn’t taking the winless side lightly.
“Every game is hard. The difference between the top and bottom isn’t that much,” he said.
“Toowoomba has had a few narrow losses that could’ve easily gone the other way.
“It’s a much tighter and more competitive league, and we have to be on our game.” FIXTURES
ALLIED PICKFORDS CUP: Coolaroo vs Warwick at Rockville Oval; South Burnett vs Toowoomba at Lyle Vidler Oval; Goondiwindi vs South Toowoomba at Riddles Oval. Games at 2.30pm today.
SENIOR WOMEN: South Burnett vs Toowoomba at Lyle Vidler Oval; Goondiwindi vs South Toowoomba at Riddles Oval. Games at 12.50pm today.