Western Cougars fine-tune for tough finals campaign
THE Western Cougars senior team tuned up for the playoffs by winning its eighth consecutive game on Saturday.
Despite missing five starting lineman and losing four key players to injury, the Cougars dominated in their 40-0 win over Wildcats.
Senior head coach Ross Dorward said the home victory was a great display of determination by the entire roster in its last regular season game. The Cougars had already sealed second position for the playoffs.
The Cougars started on fire with wide receiver Ryan Purves scoring from the third play of the game.
Wide receiver Anthony Dabelstein scored on the Cougars' second possession.
Quarterback Adam Irwin ran in for a touchdown early in the second quarter to make the score 21-0.
Two touchdowns to tight end Craig Hipathite and one touchdown to rookie wide receiver Chris O'Brien sealed the victory.
The senior Cougars enjoy a bye week before a home semi-final on November 10.
Their likely opponent is defending champions, the Gold Coast Stingrays.
The junior Cougars lost 14-6 to the Northside Rhinos.
Despite having only one reserve, the Cougars played a determined game against a much bigger opponent.
After leading 6-0 from a Jack Jacquin touchdown, the Cougars were overpowered in the second half.
The Cougars play the Rhinos again this week at Birkdale.
If the Cougars win, they clinch a playoff spot.
If they lose they must rely on the league's tie breaker rules to determine if the reach the playoffs for a third consecutive season.
