The Macleay Valley Mustangs’ premiership aspirations took a hit in their final regular season game.
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The 40-22 victory against the Wingham Tigers was soured by the injury to halfback and captain Anthony Cowan.
He chipped and chased with one of the last plays of the opening half and in the act of attempting to regather he felt his ankle give way under his body weight.
He limped off and didn’t return and after x-rays on Sunday night his chances of playing again this season are close to dashed.
“The doctor told me he wasn’t certain because of the swelling but I might have a slight fracture or at best a bad strain,” Cowan said.
“It is pretty devastating to have this happen at the wrong end of the season but that’s football.”
Cowan’s injury forced a reshuffle in the backline and Stephan Blair moved from the wing into the halves to join Jeremy Taylor who was already filling in for the sidelined Malcolm Webster.
The two took control of the game and played crucial roles in the victory with Blair crossing for a hat-trick and Taylor getting over the line on one occasion.
Cowan has full belief in his side’s push for a title despite his likely absence.
“There is a lot of depth in the club and Stephan and Jeremy showed that on the weekend when they stepped up and lead the side to victory,” Cowan said.
"Malcolm comes back for this weekend and he will add experience and control around the park.”
The Mustangs host the Port Macquaire Sharks in the major semi-final at 3pm on Sunday.
The Sharks moved into third position after their 24-12 victory on the road against the Taree City Bulls.
Macleay Valley will be hoping to get revenge on their 36-22 loss they suffered at home to the Sharks in round 11.
The winning side will advance to face the minor premiers the Port City Breakers while the losing team will tackle either the Bulls or Old Bar Pirates.
Cowan will miss Sunday’s contest but is hopeful he can return during the finals series.
