| Past Information | Group 19 Rugby League - Includes results |
The Blue Heelers, had too much pace out wide for last year's Group 4 second division grand finalists, while the YCW pack were more than a match for the Mountain Men up the centre of the park.
The win was a promising start for YCW, who will field a first grade side in the Group 19 competition for the first time in several years in 2003, as well as in reserve grade and under 18s.
Several new faces debuted in the blue and white in the match, including former Narwan back Shaun Collins who scored four tries and was electrifying in attack.
Others to catch the eye were former Guyra three-quarter Tarick Patterson, forwards Troy Smith and Pat Swanson and new signing, former Newcastle Knights Jersey Flegg halfback-cum-hooker Heath Aiken.
Blue Heelers captain-coach Mal Gaukroger, while pleased with the performance, was not getting carried away with the victory,
"It was good to get a win first up, and what was particularly pleasing was our defence," he said.
"Often in pre-season games defence goes out the window a bit, but Bendy have a big pack of forwards and if you don't get up and meet them they can get a roll-on and do plenty of damage.
"But we had plenty of blokes willing to roll up their sleeves to do the hard stuff and I think we surprised them a bit.
"We've got plenty of pace in the backs and it was good to score a few tries.
"But we were a little bit disorganised in attack at times, but that's to be expected at this time of year when you are trying out new players and different combinations.
"There's plenty of room for improvement, but for a first hit out it was fairly encouraging."
Gaukroger said the Blue Heelers were still looking for more players and invited anyone interested in a run with the club in 2003 to attend training at 6pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Doody Park (adjacent to YCW Leagues Club), Canambe St, East Armidale.
Armidale YCW 48 (Shaun Collins 4, Tarick Patterson 2, Luke Mundy, Marty Cochrane, Michael Ahoy tries, James Ahoy 4, Heath Aikin 2 goals) def Bendemeer 24.
Photographs from the 2000 season - for details click photo
Photographs from the 2003 season - for details click photo