Lithgow Workies Wolves are finally on the board in Round Seven of the 2023 Peter McDonald Premiership with a 34-22 win over the Orange CYMS at Tony Luchetti Sportsground last weekend.
The result ended a frustrating run of outs for Jack Sullivan's youthful group - the coach believes his side's much-needed win could be a catalyst for more victories.
"They are young blokes, and they're a good team, but they are versing teams and players that can recognise momentum changes in games, and we just don't have that experience yet," Sullivan said.
"A lot of the team is still 19, so it was good to see them win, and it had been a bit of time coming. We had gone close the last few weeks, with lapses costing us games.
"Even on the weekend, there was a lapse for 15 minutes and CYMS are still a good side, so we let them back in it. But the boys were good enough to grind out a good win at home."
Lithgow shot out of the blocks with young halves Cooper Egan and Dylan Miles carving the Orange edges to pieces, as the Workies Wolves put on four unanswered tries in the first half and the first two of the second.
With the game all but over CYMS did fight back making it a contest, but Lithgow held on for the 12-point win.
Front rower Ryan Jervis played a stabilising role, Elias Dukes got through a mountain of work, and Kye Cameron was a class above in the back row.
"For us, we're yet to play an 80-minute game, and we are performing at 50 per cent of where we could be, so it's about building and getting better each week," Sullivan said.
"As cliché as it might sound, it is a building year and if we just keep plugging away and getting better at the little things, come to the end of the year, I believe we can string a few wins together and head into next season with some confidence.
"Then give it two or three years; this current group could go anywhere."
Sullivan has one eye on the future firmly believing Lithgow has the foundations in place to be the best club in Group 10 and Peter McDonald Premiership.
"Lithgow does have a lot of juniors coming through and a massive junior base, and over the years, we've not capitalised on it. And once they do, which I think is close to happening, they will awaken a sleeping giant," Sullivan said.
Elsewhere last Sunday, a Tyson Fuller double helped the Dubbo Macquarie Raiders to a 22-6 win over the Parkes Spacemen at Apex Oval.
Mudgee Dragons bounced back from their first loss of the season to land a thrilling 24-22 win over the Bathurst Panthers at Glen Willow Regional Sports Complex.
Zac Merritt led from the front, with the hard-working prop scoring a double in Bathurst St Pat's 32-6 victory over the Orange Hawks at Jack Arrow Sporting Complex.
Conversions were the difference as Dubbo CYMS knocked off the Forbes Magpies 24-20 at Spooner Oval.
The Peter McDonald Premiership now breaks for the June long weekend bye.
Group 10 ladder: Mudgee Dragons 12, Bathurst St Pat's 10, Orange Hawks 6, Bathurst Panthers 6, Lithgow Workies Wolves 2, Orange CYMS 0.
Group 11 ladder: Dubbo CYMS 12, Parkes Spacemen 8, Wellington Cowboys 8, Nyngan Tigers 6, Dubbo Macquarie Raiders 5, Forbes Magpies 5.
