Warriors Hope Little Things Pay Big Dividends

Illawarra Mercury

Saturday May 12, 2007

By MIKE DRISCOLL

ILLAWARRIORS rugby coach Christian Burden believes working on the "little things" at training this week will pay dividends in this afternoon's Shute Shield clash with Northern Suburbs at North Sydney Oval.

Illawarra have had a torrid initiation into the Sydney competition, suffering five straight losses and racking up 294 points conceded.

Fourth-placed Norths have three wins, one loss and the bye from their opening five rounds and will be keen to pile on the points and post a bonus-point victory at home.

Illawarra tried hard despite a 79-10 hiding from premiers Sydney University last Sunday and Burden says the side has pored over the video at training this week.

"We've looked at the tape and it wasn't so much Sydney Uni's good play which led to tries and opportunities but them taking advantage of our poor play and poor options," he said.

"It's the little things we've worked hard on at training, such as some technical aspects upon contact in defence, plus work on our set pieces at line-outs and scrums.

"If we get the little things right we'll see improvements across the board."

Despite five straight losses, three by more than 50 points, Burden said everyone at the club was remaining positive.

"I'd rate our confidence and enthusiasm and representation at training from the seniors squad and colts at a 10 out of 10 which is a great indication we're all in this for the long-term and success will come.

"We know it's going to be a tough season but we're putting the hard work into getting our preparation spot-on and from there we're see the benefits."

The Illawarriors are back at WIN Stadium tomorrow week against West Harbour. It should be a competitive game given West Harbour have won only one game so far this season.

In other round six games today, Eastwood host Randwick, Gordon are at home to Penrith, Southern Districts welcome Parramatta, Sydney University host Warringah and Manly host West Harbour.

Leaders Eastern Suburbs have the bye.

© 2007 Illawarra Mercury

Back to News Index | Back to Home