Shute Shield 2020: Gordon rugby club chasing spot in finals
A couple of seasons ago the goal was to avoid the wooden spoon. That’s not the case any more at Gordon.
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SHUTE SHIELD 2020: Draw, TV, teams
Buoyed by a major resurgence of form last season, Gordon are aiming high in this year’s Shute Shield.
After finishing near last in the 2017 and 2018 competitions, Gordon’s fortunes changed last season.
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And it is this form the club hopes will carry them through into the finals series in 2020.
“Gordon had a bit of a resurgence last year and finished seventh after a couple of lean years,” said coach Darren Coleman.
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“We were one win off the playoffs. So we are looking to carry that momentum on this season.”
Coleman attributed the lift in performance by the Highlanders to an assortment of factors.
“We had some new coaches, the resources put into the colts program saw players moving up and we did some recruitment,” he said.
“The playoffs are a key goal for us.
“As a team there are a few key areas we need to improve in the attacking end of the field.
“Basically finishing off possession and position and your converting it into points.”
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Coleman said he expects a number of younger players to shine this season including Tom Silk and Brandon Quinn.
“Tom Silk was one of the shining lights in our colts 2018 team and has had a good year of grade behind him now. We’re expecting big things from him, “ Coleman said.
“Branden Quinn has been with the sevens program but is now released.
“He is just pure speed. That’s his strong point. He’s someone to turn pressure into points.”