BY ALEX TIGANI
The Pokolbin Reds will hope to capture a 3-0 start when playing host to the Waratahs this Saturday.
The Reds commenced their Newcastle Hunter Rugby Union Divisional campaign with a hard fought 14-12 win against Medowie before dismantling Griffins 29-5 on Saturday.
Head coach Michael Doody has been pleased with his side’s efforts so far.
“The first game we started really well and controlled possession and I was really happy with that,” Doody explained.
Tomorrow’s opposition will feature players from NHRU Premier 1 sides including powerhouse Hamilton.
Nevertheless, Doody admits he has been happy with his own top tier recruits including former Singleton Bulls acting captain Tiwana Thompson-Paringatai.
“He has been awesome, he has really fit in with the group well and he’d be a guy we’d love to keep due to his leadership as well,” Doody added.
MEANWHILE the Reds also celebrated the 100th game milestone of their centre Jacob Meredith last weekend.
Meredith is only the fifth player in the club’s 15-year history to reach the three-figure milestone after Rhys Eather, Andrew Margan, Brad Newton and Murray Clarke.
“I have known the guy for that long, he’s not a kid but I’m old enough to call him a kid,” Doody laughed.
“He’s the nicest guy, he turns up every weekend and gives it his best whether we get belted by 50 points or we win; he just wants to play with the club.
“I was really happy for him on Saturday.”
POKOLBIN REDS FIXTURE
Round 3 (August 15) – vs. The Waratahs (home)
Round 4 (August 22) – vs. Cooks Hill (away)
Round 5 (August 29) – Bye
Round 6 (September 5) – vs. Medowie (away)
Round 7 (September 12) – vs. Griffins (home)
Round 8 (September 19) – vs. The Waratahs (away)
Round 9 (September 26) – vs. Cooks Hill (home)
Round 10 (October 3) – Bye
Finals Week 1 (October 17)
Finals Week 2 (October 26)