After a disappointing 2007, the Bathurst Bulldogs have made a remarkable return to form and the top end of the Central West Rugby Union ladder and it is no fluke that it coincides with Olly Barclay’s first full season in the top grade.
The 29-year-old has cemented a place in the Bulldogs second row this year and has impressed with his hard working attitude.
Barclay’s coach, Michael Burgess, said he was a player that every club needs and his work ethic in particular was an asset to the Bulldogs.
“He is a model player, he is always first at training and he is the fittest player at the club,” Burgess said.
“He doesn’t stand out a lot like Michael Weekes or Adam Dwyer does, he just does the hard work.”
Barclay joined the Bulldogs at the start of last year, after coming to Australia from England at Christmas 2006.
Despite having not played union since leaving university, a discussion with Paul Miller convinced Barclay to join the club.
After starting his Bulldogs career with two games in third grade, he was then moved in to seconds where he played another two games before breaking into the first grade side.
Unfortunately for Barclay he suffered a grade three medial ligament tear and was forced to watch the rest of the season from the sideline as the Bulldogs missed the finals for the first time since 2000.
However, after returning to training during the summer, Barclay was able to start the season in first grade and is now an integral part of his team.
Barclay said he was happy with the way the side has been performing so far this season.
“It’s fantastic, it’s a big change on last year. We have got a few players who have come back to play for us who weren’t involved last season,” he said.
Barclay was modest about his strong form this year and played down his coach’s suggestions that he was a workhorse for the team.
“I think the players around you inspire you to play better and I think if everyone around you plays really well then you make sure you put yourself on the line for them too,” Barclay said.
“The good thing about playing for the Bulldogs is that everyone plays with a lot of heart and it raises everyone’s game.
“They are one of the best teams I know for that.”
Barclay said this tomorrow’s clash with Narromine was the perfect opportunity for the Bulldogs to prove that they are a genuine threat.
“This will be a good test of how we will go for the rest of the year, it will be so closely matched that it will come down to heart and who has their head screwed on on the day,” Barclay said.
“A few of our matches lately we have been a bit lacklustre and haven’t performed as well as we can and I think that is a case of us having a few changes and not settling properly.”
Barclay said he was also looking forward to the clash with the Dubbo Kangaroos the week after, where Bathurst have an opportunity to close in on the top spot on the ladder.
“Last time we played them it was a fantastic match and both teams played really well, it was a good match to be involved in because every player was playing out of their skins,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to playing them again and it will be a good opportunity to rise to the challenge and give it a good go.”
Bathurst Bulldogs play Narromine at Ashwood Park tomorrow at 3.30pm.
BATHURST BULLDOGS: 1 Chris Plunkett, 2 Andrew Breen, 3 Ross Turnbull, 4 Olly Barclay, 5 James Ovenstone, 6 Jono Cody, 7 Adam Dwyer, 8 Michael Weekes, 9 Phil Tonkin, 10 Ben Tobin, 11 Justin Slattery, 12 Paul Miller, 13 Ray Lange, 14 Bart Bogart, 15 Scott Johnston.
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