After the Red V’s 30-14 loss against Cowra in the premier league on Sunday, Mudgee coach Ben Gregory was quick to praise the commitment shown by his side, something that’s been consistent all year long.

”We’ve got an excellent culture in the club where the boys are happy to step up and happy to make an effort,” Gregory said.

“I was really happy with the effort today but the completion rate wasn’t acceptable. Cowra was the better side today.”

Mudgee was short handed on Saturday and was forced to make do not only without Chanse Burgess, but also minus Jack Afamasaga who was scratched before the game with an injury.

“I think the blokes that are filling those spots are doing a fantastic job,” he said.

“I’m really happy with Will Hawkins who plays under 18s then plays for us. He’s going great. So is Jack Hart.”

The Red V is likely to be without Nathan O’Brien for weeks to come with a knee injury, but as has been the case all season, it’s a next man up mentality for ‘BG’.

Keying in on the Cowra match, Gregory took exception to his squad’s poor completion rate, something that’s been holding the Dragons back for the whole season.

“We play a style of football that allows footballers to play,” he said.

“In our structure, you must pass the ball. It’s about discipline, football maturity and choices you make with the ball in yours hands.

“I knew when I rolled out this system at the start of the season it was going to take some serious maturity to do it and we’re not quite there.

“All the injuries and forced changes to the team really affects the cohesion of this structure but it’s improving all the time. 60-odd percent completion isn’t good enough and the boys know that. They understand.”

If you want to talk about consistent trends for the Dragons in 2018, Jack Beasley’s brilliance has been like clockwork as the 19-year-old encapsulates everything Ben Gregory looks for in a young player.

“He loves it. He’s the epitome of the culture in the club,” he said.

“He will work his butt off all the time. Defence, attack… he’s coming along really well as a half and it’s because he’s so coachable. “He listens, he’s enthusiastic and he’s a great clubman and teammate too.”

Mudgee’s next challenge is ladder-leading Orange Hawks as they gear up for their first away game in three weeks. COWRA MAGPIES 30 (Bradyn Cassidy 2, Benji John, Warren Williams, Will Ingram tries; Caley Mok 5 goals) def MUDGEE DRAGONS 14 (Corin Smith, Jared Robinson, Jack Beasley tries; Lachie Hill 1 goal).