IT HAS been a great year to date for the Windsor Wolves on the field, with both their A Grade and A Grade reserve teams dominating on the pitch.
The Wolves are only a couple of weeks away from finals footy, and both teams are likely to be in the hunt for a grand final win in the Penrith Junior Rugby League competition.
Reserve grader Blake Faint is playing in his first season of contact sport for a number of years since rupturing his ACL a few years ago.
The half back said he had already picked up a few injuries playing, but was nevertheless enjoying the season.
“It has been challenging. I've had a couple of injuries already. The first game back I broke my finger,” he said.
With the finals looming, he said he was looking forward to the challenge.
“I believe we've got the best team in the competition,” he said.
“We make it hard for ourselves though sometimes. Every week we get a few little things going wrong, but when we click we end up smashing teams.”
Wolves head coach Brett Atkinson said many games had been close, and in some cases luck had been on Windsor’s side, but overall it had been a great season so far in 2018.
“The season has been a bit of a challenge. We are undefeated and have been winning a lot of games, but it has been very tight,” he said.
“We have been very fortunate to get away with a couple of wins by a couple of points.
“I'm excited [about the finals]. I don't think we've managed to put our best paddock onto the field all season.”
Front rower Sam Hollis said new coach Atkinson had brought a professional attitude to training, but had the balance between seriousness and fun right, and it was paying dividends on the field.
“It makes training after a long day's work, you look forward to it, rather than just playing touch footy in the freezing cold,” he said.
“Brett has brought in real professionalism for A Grade level. The way he has come in with a rep coaching background and a good culture, and the boys are keen to play every week.
“The club has invested in bringing some quality players this year and we want to give them a premiership.”
Hollis praised the play of two of his team mates in particular. Lock Aaron Farkas and front rower Dean Barron, he said, had been two of Windsor’s best on the campaign so far.
“Aaron Farkas is our lock and he has been a standout. He has been the heart and soul of the team,” he said.
“I take it upon myself to lead while on the field but due to injuries I’ve missed some time and Aaron has always been there playing well.
“Dean is an unsung hero of the team and has been in great form all season.”
At the weekend, the first grade beat Glenmore Park 16-0, and the reserves won 36-16, while the women won 46-0 against Toongabbie.
The club will host its Back to Windsor day on Saturday, July 28, and encourages all past affiliates to join them.
