Other than score points, perhaps the easiest thing for a totally dominant side to do is switch off occasionally. It's only natural, no?
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
That's the shortcoming North Tamworth have highlighted as their weakness as they charge towards a sixth-straight premiership.
The Bears remained undefeated in 2019 and booked another grand final berth after thumping Werris Creek 52-8 in the major semi-final at Jack Woolaston Oval on Saturday. It was the Bears' 42nd consecutive home win, their last loss coming against West Tamworth in round three 2015.
Post-match, Norths centre Richard Clegg, a member of the side's five grand final wins, was frustrated by the reigning premiers not playing 80 minutes. His captain-coach, Scott Blanch, said the same thing after a 44-18 defeat of Gunnedah in the final round.
It's not a case of them exaggerating a fault to try to keep this purring machine well-oiled: Norths do suffer from lulls, but they don't last long. And when they happen, Norths are always leading comfortably.
"For 60 minutes we were really good," Clegg said. "That last 20 [minutes]... that was the 20 that we switch off. We found a way to get out of it with a late try. But, you know, we've really got to find a way to put a full 80 minutes together."
Read also:
The period of play Clegg referred to occurred when Norths led 46-0, after halfback Kieran Fisher - another senior member of the dynasty club - strolled over and then was mobbed by teammates. Jake McManus converted from in front, and then Magpies centre Kieran Williams crossed out wide as the midway point of the second half approached.
That four-pointer was followed quickly by a soft try to Magpies halfback Harlee Millgate, before Bears prop Shane Wadwell ambled over the line to put the exclamation mark on a result that seemed inevitable when the Bears raced to a 16-0 lead via tries to prop Alec Cocking, five-eighth Blanch and winger Chris Hunt.
Despite the "lull" flaw, Clegg said the 2019 Bears were "probably" the best Norths side of the past six years. "We've got class along, probably, all 17 blokes," he said. "Our bench players, they'd be on the run-on side for any other team ... I think it's just our depth [which] is the biggest thing."
Norths led 34-0 at half-time and then 40-0 early in the second half when fullback Mitch Sheridan scored for his second try and McManus - who had another fine kicking day - converted.
Werris Creek now have a preliminary final date with the winner of Sunday's elimination final between the Roosters and the Bulldogs at Kootingal. The three sides are similar in ability, as Clegg pointed out, but there is chasm separating Norths from them.
North Tamworth 52 (Mitch Sheridan 2, Alec Cocking, Scott Blanch, Chris Hunt, Richard Clegg, Josh Schmiedel, Kieran Fisher, Shane Wadwell tries; Jake McManus 8 goals) d Werris Creek 8 (Kieran Williams, Harlee Millgate tries)
Second grade: Manilla 40 (Brad Way 3 , Michael Bevitt, Mitch Doring, Abel Carney, Rodney Rolls, Adam Ruttley tries; Carney 4 goals) d Narrabri 24 (Brad Chapman 2, Norm Lawler, Robert Doolan tries; David Toomey 3, Robert Doolan goals)
Under-18: North Tamworth 30 (Amachai Roberts 2, Liam Ball, Brayden Reid, Kobe Bone tries; Hudson Shaw goal) d Dungowan 20 (Jack Todd 2, Clay Frendin, Zane Woods tries; Blake Ginman 2 goals)
League tag: North Tamworth 36 (Leica Le Brocq 2, Kimberley Resch 2, Steph Fulwood, Holly Bynge, Kate Ferguson tries; Resch 4 goals) d Dungowan 4 (Jamie Blackler try)
