Kieran Cubby-Shipp still working on getting back to his best after hat-trick against Westside
TRY AS YOU MIGHT: Kieran Cubby-Shipp watches on in vain as Carl Ralph scores for Westside. Photo: BELINDA SOOLE
Kieran Cubby-Shipp feels his game still isn’t where it needs to be but Sunday’s hat-trick performance was a step in the right direction.
For a player of his ability and someone with lofty standards, Cubby-Shipp hasn’t hit the headlines as much as some of his CYMS teammates this season, one where the Fishies haven’t lost after eight rounds.
One of the most dynamic and elusive ball-runners when at his peak, the fullback showed some of that trademark flair on Sunday when scoring three in the 72-12 derby win over Westside.
“Three tries today was alright but I’m not where I want to be. The fitness isn’t where it was last year,” he said.
“I guess what we’re all trying to do is chug along and get to the end of the season and be right by then.”
Brad Pickering also scored a treble in the win, continuing his fine form in his first season in green and white.
Pickering’s running game was a real hallmark of his performance.
Despite the final margin being 60 points, Cubby-Shipp said Sunday’s Westside team was a far better one than the side his Fishies beat 102-0 in round one.
“On paper it was big but they were a lot different to the side they were at the start of the season,” he said.
“It was 102-0 but they put in today and put some points on the board and I think they just need to get to training and they’ll be fine.”
Sam Coe was a standout for Westside while Brayden Peachey and Ty Blanchett also worked all match.