THREE weeks without any action is not the sort of preparation Bathurst Bulldogs co-coach Brian Roberson wanted as his side looks towards the Blowes Clothing Cup finals.
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Yet after Narromine was forced to forfeit Saturday’s women’s, colts, second grade and first grade fixtures against Bulldogs due to a lack of numbers, Roberson could not help but feel sorry for the Gorillas.
“That’s three weeks without any rugby for us, we had the bye last weekend and the wash-out against ’Roos,” Roberson said.
“It’s not great for us, but there’s nothing we can do, it’s in the lap of the Gods.
“Narromine are doing it tough with numbers, they only had 17 players available for the day across all grades.
“It is unfortunate for Narromine and I empathise with them, we need to look at the changing the competition structure next year to help these guys out.”
Roberson said a working party is currently looking at possible changes for the 2017 Central West Rugby Union competition, but what he would like to see is a three-tiered approach.
He feels that would ease the pressure on some of the clubs who have struggled to field teams across all grades.
“I think we need to look at helping out the Dubbo Rhinos and the Narromines, fielding four grades is tough for them,” Roberson said.
“Narromine have been a really good club for a very, very long time and will continue to be as long as they can get in the appropriate competition for next year.”
Narromine have the bye next weekend, while Bulldogs will travel to Mudgee.