The Butchers traveled to Croome Road Albion Park on Saturday for their first trial for the 2014 season. With the loss of several players from the last few very successful years, Thirroul fielded mostly new players keen to press for spots and from Saturdays game its sure to create some very hard decisions come round 1 when a final side is selected.
Both Thirroul and Albion Park completion rates in the first quarter were outstanding for the first trial game of the year and it was like watching a competition game. Lightning and rain halted the first quarter early but not before Thirroul raced in several smart tries. Young Englishman Mitch Cox got off to a flyer recieving great ball from Brent Grose to score a long range try after showing sheer pace. Thirroul club legend Aaron Beath was outstanding in his short stint on the field, carting the ball forward and scoring a smart try. Damian Blanch showed what a handful he will be to outside backs this year with his strength and size, creating numerous scoring chances with hard running and James Bannister charged on to the ball a few times out wide and skittled defenders out of his way, scoring and setting up some nice tries.
Returning Butchers James Spencer and Jayden Dallalana were standouts while Sam Coster was my pick for best player of the trial. Jake Dooley,The Wynn Brothers Mitch and Nathan,Blake Davies and Jake Walsh are names to look for after impressive debuts.
Kevin Anderson is also off to a great start to the “Most pies consumed at the footy in one day 2014”, Kevin faces some stiff competiton in that area but got off to a flyer with 3 (could have been 4 we weren’t keeping a good eye on him)
Although not getting carried away with a trial i am sure the coaching staff will be happy with what came from the weekends game. Next weekends trial game at Thirroul against Illawarra 2013 premiers Collies and Group 9’s powerhouse club Wagga will be a much bigger test and better gauge of where the boys are at heading into the season opener
