Jeremy Martin, Toby Haydon and Logan Haydon.
The Harden Red Devils showcased remarkable resilience and determination on Saturday, July 12, overcoming a significant numerical disadvantage to secure a hard-fought 29-10 victory over West Wyalong in a physically demanding Rugby League fixture.
Travelling with a squad of just fifteen players, the Red Devils knew they faced an uphill battle, a challenge they met with unwavering resolve.
Devils coach Jack Alcorn reflected on the opposition’s character before the match: “They are down the bottom of the ladder, but they’ve got good numbers and a terrific bunch of blokes out there and got a good club culture.”
He acknowledged West Wyalong’s strengths, particularly in their halves and backs, but expressed confidence in his squad. “Definitely in their halves. In their backs is probably their biggest challenge. They have a reasonably solid set of forwards, but I think our forwards can hold their own and our backs can hold their own. We will see if we can come away with the win on the weekend as we’ve got a fair few blokes coming back in this weekend, so I’m thinking we are going to be going alright.”
Alcorn also stressed the importance of focus: “Certainly seeing them on their day they can come out, so we need to be on our game.”
The match commenced with Harden making a lightning start, quickly establishing a 14-0 lead with two converted tries. However, West Wyalong, refusing to yield, responded with a well-executed try down the sideline, narrowing the deficit to 14-5 by halftime.
The second half was a true test of grit and composure for the Red Devils. The team faced periods playing with reduced numbers on the field, as back-rowers Nick Alcorn, Oliver Fairfield-Smith, and Luke Thorsby each spent time in the sin bin, leaving Harden with only thirteen men at one stage. Despite these setbacks, the Red Devils maintained their attacking prowess, managing to cross the line again, showcasing impressive composure and fighting spirit. Their defensive line held firm throughout, conceding only one try in the second half, which ultimately sealed their decisive 29-10 triumph.
Coach Alcorn highlighted a key aspect of Harden’s playing style: “I think that’s always been Harden’s game (using pace rather than power). We’ve got a lot of speed around the backs, which has really helped us and we generally try to push around people rather than going through the middle of them.” He further commented on the team’s satisfaction with the win, stating, “We were a bit nervous going in, but we came away with it so we were pretty happy.”
A special commendation was extended to Toby Haydon, whose unexpected full 80-minute performance in the second row, despite not having played football for two years, was deemed “legendary stuff” by the coach. Alcorn elaborated, “We only took 15 over, so everyone played a full game. Toby Haydon played a full 80 minutes, having not played football for two years.”
Looking towards the season’s end and finals, Alcorn noted the team’s progress: “We have been working on getting all our structure together and feel it is starting to come together now that we are getting towards the end of the season, everyone has played a few games there. We can only improve on that.” On securing second place, he cautiously observed, “[Boorowa] would have to miss out on a bonus point this week. They’ve got West Wyalong this week. They should be alright, but you just never know.”
He added, “If we can get a bonus point in the next two weeks we have secured it (second-placed), but we haven’t secured it yet. We are working on both weeks to try and get our best side on the field and do our best to get the best result we can. Coming into finals we need that confidence and that fire in the game, so hopefully we can pull that off.”
The Harden Red Devils expressed their sincere thanks to West Wyalong for their warm hospitality and extended their best wishes for the remainder of their season.
In terms of individual recognition, Joe Stewart earned 3 points, Ed McGeoch 2 points, and Luke Thorsby 1 point. The Players’ Player award was shared by Toby & Logan Haydon. Coach Alcorn under-scored the collective effort behind the victory: “It’s got to go to everyone. There are the 3-2-1 points, but honestly for everyone to go there, and play 80 minutes with 15 blokes against 25 to come away with the win is a team effort.”
Next week, the Harden Red Devils will return home for the biggest event of their year—Ladies Day. The boys will be training hard on Tuesday and Thursday this week to ensure they put on an impressive show for the home crowd.
-Tully Potts
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