West Wyalong weren’t celebrating anything on Sunday, despite wrapping up the minor premiership with a 54-18 victory over the Hay Magpies at Ron Crowe Oval.
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The Mallee Men scored nine tries to three to finish first on the ladder, but coach Rohan Loudon wasn’t popping any champagne corks in the sheds afterwards.
West Wyalong earned the minor premiership last season but lost the grand final to Griffith Waratah Tigers after going into the match undefeated.
While proud to see his side finish first after the closest season in recent memory, Loudon said the hard work was only just beginning.
“It’s a good effort, but the comp was that close. There’s nothing between anyone this season,” he said.
“We were probably lucky we won a few at the right time.”
West Wyalong will sit out the first week of the playoffs before taking on the winner of this weekend’s qualifying final between Waratahs and Darlington Point-Coleambally.
Loudon said the rest would do his team good.
“It’s not a bad thing,” Loudon said.
“We got a couple of injuries today, but they’ll be right to play in the first semi.”
Group 20 top five: West Wyalong 26 (+205), Waratahs 24 (+152), Darlington Point-Coleambally 24 (+99), Griffith Black and Whites 23 (-68), Yenda 22 (+99).
