Easter Suburbs Rugby Union Club, with the help of former Wallaby Cam Shepherd, will reignite a spark in the life of rugby in Canowindra on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Sydney club is bringing three grades to Canowindra for pre-season trials against the Pythons, Molong Magpies and Orange Emus at Tom Clyburn Oval.
It was less than 12 months ago that the Pythons failed to enter a side into the GrainCorp Cup after struggling to find numbers.
Now the club is brimming with excitement ahead of this weekend’s bumper day expected to bring hundreds through the gate, and the pre-season is in full swing with a return to the GrainCorp Cup locked in.
“I’m hopeful that we drag a really big crowd. It’s a huge day for Canowindra and a great day for the Canowindra Pythons,” Pythons president Jack Beath said.
“Having Easts bringing three grades, it’s about 80 plus players on its own. We have Emus and the Molong Magpies as well coming, there should be some good talent on show.”
Orange Emus first grade and Easts third grade begin proceedings at 2.45pm before games between Molong and Easts fourths, and Canowindra and Easts fifths.
Easts and Canowindra under 10s sides will clash in a match scheduled for 5pm.
Former Wallaby and Western Force player Cam Shepherd will run a number of coaching clinics between games, and Foxtel rugby program Kick & Chase will be filming a segment.
Canowindra Pythons life member Adam Nash has had plenty to do with the organising of the event and says it’s a great gesture by Easts and its president John Murray to help promote rugby in the bush.
“The day is really all about a Sydney club coming out to the bush to help the sport,” he said.
“Easts are coming out here to help the Pythons get back on their feet.”
In terms of on the pitch, the Pythons have received a boost with local junior and former Australia Sevens player John Grant signing on as coach for 2018, while Cowra Magpies premier league gun Ronald Lawrence has also put pen to paper for the season.
Both are set to be in action on Saturday.
The Pythons will take on Easts fifths from 5.55pm at Tom Clyburn Oval.
It’s free entry all day.
Schedule for Saturday-
2:45pm Easts vs Orange Emus
3:45pm Cam Shepherd clinic
4pm Easts vs Molong Magpies
5pm Easts under 10’s vs Canowindra
5:40pm Cam Shepherd kicking clinic
5:55pm Easts vs Pythons
A barbecue and entertainment at the club house will follow.
