Story and photos by John Fitzgerald
Long travel distances for matches is taking its toll on many Woodbridge Cup clubs, creating upset results in some rounds.
Nearly every week some matches require players to travel more than three hours before arrival at the game’s venue.
Some of the travelling clubs have players unable to commit so much time away from home or work commitments and then pre-game preparation and game time.
It is a bonus for the sides who are able to travel with a full complement of players.
For those who don’t have that privilege they can suffer an upset result, and it can be a long trip home after taking a loss.
Previously undefeated before the round 6 match at Oberon, Manildra met defeat for the first time at the hands of the Tigers but Oberon were performing so well this season and with confidence high the result was no surprise.
At Condobolin in last week‘s round 7 match previous competition leaders Cowra Magpies were beaten 30-26 by the eighth-placed Rams after the Magpies’ two-hour drive.
Oberon had a strong 42-0 win over Trundle last Saturday following their three-hour trip, and their fifth win this year positions the Tigers in equal first spot on the table. Oberon, Manildra and Cowra now share first place on the ladder.
Molong is one point astern in outright fourth, with Orange United another one point behind.
The Oberon leaguetag side were beaten at Trundle by the Boomers 20-6.
Next week is a general bye, with competition to resume on June 14.
There are some interesting matches in that round next week, none more so than Cowra hosting Orange United, and Oberon at home to a dangerous fourth-placed Molong Bulls.
