The Harden Red Devils started their 2021 season with a trip to West Wyalong on Saturday and came away with the choccies in a 34-0 victory over the Weevils.
Away games at the start of the season can be fraught with danger when it comes to numbers and the willingness to make the trek as well as other commitments.
The Devils scored 6 tries across the 70 minute game with one to Judd Kerrison, two to Tom Lenehan, while Max O’Connor, Charlie Brown and Charlie Fairfield-Smith chipped in with a try each. Lenehan kicked two conversion to leave the score at 34-0 at full time.
Harden’s Jayden Nicholls refereed his first senior match and did a very respectable job in tough circumstances. He was thanked by both sides at the presentation after the match.
The Devils took 17 players and lost Oliver Fairfield Smith to a hamstring injury which saw him sit out the remainder of the game. A little later promising Second Rower Eric Douglass went down with a shoulder injury before being patched up with some padding and some tape and went back out where he ran with determination and showed plenty of grit.
Club stalwart Adam Walsh didn’t plan on playing a full game but did when the final whistle was blown.
The makeshift Devils side saw two back rowers in the Centres in Vice Captain Charlie Brown and Charlie Fairfield-Smith.
Harrison Back was solid at the back alongside Pierce Martin, while Max O’Connor’s speed made him look dangerous every time he touched the ball. Henry Messner was good in the air as was Clint Stevens on the ground with some bruising defence.
The Devils managed to pull off a win and were missing up to 10 regular players. This should bode well for Friday night’s game against Boorowa at McLean Oval commencing at 7:00pm. Harden will have several back return to the squad which will then allow those who played in the backs who are normally forwards to return to the pack and strengthen it.
Already the ladder is showing some signs of things to come. It appears there are sides that will be very competitive and sides who aren’t going to be up to it.
Coota made easy pickings of Temora defeating them 43-5, The Yabbies smashed Condobolin 76-14 while Boorowa were far too strong for Grenfell 41-0.
Make sure to get to McLean oval where the Devils will take on Boorowa on Friday night under lights at 7:00pm while the Devilettes will face Temora at 8:30pm Bar and canteen facilities will be available and the new club house will be there to be utilised.
