Chris Bamford arrived in Orange and, as is customary for anyone donning green and gold during winter, he headed to Kelly’s Hotel.
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He met with a few CYMS old boys and acquainted himself with the steep history that’s helped build the base for the club’s current golden run of grand final appearance – Sunday’s clash with Oberon is CYMS’ seventh decider in eight years.
And likewise, the CYMS old boys got their first glimpse at Bamford, the confident kiwi prop that wears the ‘best prop in country footy’ tag as proudly as a first time parent shows off a new born.
And so, in February, when the hulking front-rower boldly told those same old boys he intends on winning the Group 10 player of the year award, the laughs followed.
They should have known better.
“There were a few sniggers and smiles … but I’ve done it now,” Bamford said looking back.
He edged a class group too, headed by Panthers bookend Brent Seager in the chasing pack.
I’ve got plenty to play for ... I’m just as hungry (as Oberon).
- CYMS prop Chris Bamford
“I thought I was gone with four games to go. I had those last four games out with injury. But I’m ecstatic to get it. It was one of my goals to get it. I tick that off now.”
So the fact Bamford sets goals and invariably achieves them doesn’t bode well for an Oberon side looking to snap a 42-year premiership drought on Sunday.
He’s won five premierships in New Zealand, but is title-less during a few stints across Country Rugby League.
The veteran bookend is hell bent on ending that premiership drought on Australian shores this weekend.
“I’ve got plenty to play for. I know a few of the boys have won premierships and (Oberon) will be hungry, 42 years without winning one, but I can say I’m just as hungry,” he added.
“I’ll be pushing myself to get through 80 (minutes) and hopefully I can go out there and get the job done for the boys. Experience will get me through.”
And if it’s experience that will get Bamford through, he says it’s composure that will get CYMS over the line – a win would be the club’s fifth title since 2010.
“I think composure … we’re good at using the ball, but we’ve got to get to our kicks as well,” he said.
“They’ve stunned Panthers, I think they’ve stunned everyone. But we’re going to score points, it’s going to come down to our defence.”
The Group 10 grand final is scheduled to kick-off at 3pm at Wade Park.
Nick McGrath
Editor, Central Western Daily
Editor, Central Western Daily
