Firstly the Canowindra rugby club would like to thank the Balloon organising committee for inviting the Pythons to be a part of their night. This proved to be a huge success with a great crowd stayingaround after the balloon glow to watch the game.

The Pythons have being training well for the last two months and were getting keen to finally get on the paddock. The boys soon dominated the game from the kick off by stealing the ball from the opening ruck and putting pressure on the Cobra line.

This being the first game of the year the ball handling was a little rusty with the team knocking on a few times.

With Cudal having an all to familiar big forward pack it was pleasing that the Python pack was up to the task, and for the first time in a couple of years the Canowindra team was able to push the big Cudal pack around and win a fair few tight head scrums.

With the Pythons on the front foot it was clear that the boys would soon score the opening try with new recruit Dan Muldoon showing his pace and stepping is going to be a big asset for the Pythons, going over for his first of three tries for the game.

Cudal soon hit back and hit the lead with a converted try and penalty goal. Canowindra was able to get another try through Sam O’Malveny scooping up some lose ball and stepping his way to get a ball to Rolls Townsend and go over for a converted try to give Canowindra a 12-10 lead into half time.

The Canowindra side had gone through the first half with a hefty injury toll with Adam Grant, Todd Wyburn and Jason Clout all having to leave the field with injuries. The second half saw Canowindra step up a few gears and take control of the game.

Dan Muldoon scored the first try of the half with young gun Dan Middleton getting on the board in his debut game for the senior Pythons. Muldoon scored another try not long after with a great run from half way. Adam Smith also got on the scorer’s board after a great run from Blocker Woolley.