TULLIBIGEAL Lakes United coach Anthony Chambeyron said he will be looking to his backs to shut down the powerhouse that is the Leeton Greens when the Sharks take on the competition heavyweights on Sunday.
With the Sharks still eager to prove they’re a side to be feared this year, Chambeyron said this weekend was the time to do it.
“They’re a quality side and it’s going to be tough, but the boys are excited about having the opportunity to take on a side like Leeton on their home ground,” he said.
“It’s a good time of year to see where we’re at and to have a chance to show we can be competitive and win those tight games against good quality sides.
“We had that opportunity against West Wyalong earlier in the competition and we came up short so this is a pretty important game for us.”
However, Leeton Greens’ president Steve Preston said his side was wary of the in-form Sharks and knew exactly how dangerous they could be if given the chance.
“They’re a side that’s definitely got a lot of points in them,” he said.
“They’ve had some good wins and they’ve got a lot to offer across the park.
“Our backs have to be switched on defensively – it’s going to be in the backs that the game is decided.”
With both teams basically at full strength, there isn’t much to separate them going into the clash and both squad leaders were confident of the skill in their sides.
“Our boys have got a fairly strong attacking game, we’re probably one of the better in the competition,” Chambeyron said.
“When playing against sides like Leeton, defence is the key, but with guys like Jaden Kelly and Cory Cox I’m pretty confident we’ll be able to hold them to a minimum and hopefully win the game.”
Leeton’s demolishing performance against the Griffith Black and Whites last weekend showed how dominant the team can be if the other side doesn’t turn up on the day.
“In the game against the Black and Whites we showed in the second half when we want to play we can score some good points,” Preston said.
“Lakes are going to be tough and it’s going to be hard to put points on, but we’ve got to be there in defence and I’m confident we can be.”
With just one point separating the two teams on the ladder, if TLU claims victory this weekend it will usurp Leeton’s top-of-the-table position and see the Greens record their first loss of the season.
“We haven’t really looked at it (the table),” Chambeyron said.
“It’s been a while since the club’s been at the top and it would be a nice carrot, but we’re more excited about getting the opportunity to take them on at their home ground.”
