John Fitzgerald

Following the completion of Woodbridge Cup’s round 13, and one week before the competition’s penultimate round, the top-running sides are easily into the upcoming finals series.

The top three clubs won their matches, retaining the same positions at the head of the ladder.

Oberon, on 24 points, defeated Eugowra 47-10, Manildra were successful over Canowindra 24-22, and Cowra were winners over Peak Hill 51-22.

Canowindra have made their way through the pack as expected and showed just how close the clubs are at the top, being beaten by only two points by last year’s premiers Manildra.

Canowindra are now two points adrift of fourth-placed Orange.

Oberon are in the box seat to take the minor premiership, taking the forfeit bye from Blayney’s withdrawal next weekend while the improving Canowindra are drawn against the strong second-placed Cowra side.

Manildra are at home to the dangerous Orange United and will need to be at their best to be sure of a win.

Oberon will emerge from next weekend’s round 14 going into the final premiership round still in front of their rivals and only need to win their final game against Peak Hill to take the minor premiership, the Roosters having been taken down by Cowra by 29 points at the weekend.

Even if the other top-placed clubs don’t sustain collateral damage in the second-last round, the two clubs sitting two points behind Oberon – Manildra and Cowra – have to meet in a  last-round showdown that, other than a draw, will see one club finish in outright second place.

At Eugowra last Sunday it was expected the Golden Eagles would provide stronger opposition to Oberon but the Tigers easily accounted for the locals.

Nic Barlow opened the scoring for the visitors in the fourth minute with his converted try but Jordain Girot-Serplet touched down for Eugowra four minutes later.

Holding Eugowra to just four points Oberon scored seven tries and added 34 points of their own before the Eagles were able to add more to their score.

Mat Ranse scored three tries for  the victors and Blake Fitzpatrick kicked five goals.

Adding insult to injury Oberon’s front rower Ryan Jervis kicked an unlikely field goal in the final seconds to give the Tigers their 47-10 win.