THE last minute exclusions of Kurt Millard and Tony Chandler, the weather conditions, and the fact that the USQ Cougars train under the poor quality lighting set up at Baker St are all excuses that are laughable.

The real story showed on the scoreboard.

USQ 9.16.(70) came from behind to defeat the WCU Redbacks 8.9. (57).

When the game was there to be won the Reddies ran out of legs.

The reasons why they ran out of legs is two-fold. There is a lack of commitment to a club that has bent over backwards in order to secure them a senior grand final victory and supply them with the facilities to do so.

This lack of commitment brings with it the second reason - lack of training. The small numbers at the club that wrap up in these wintery conditions and don't miss training are showing it on the field. Those that are looking for excuses not to train are running around the field like the proverbial chooks with their heads cut off.

Too few at training in these conditions plus a lack of commitment equals failure on the field. From flying high all season, the Warwick Credit Union Redbacks are now looking down the barrel of a third-spot or even a fourth-spot finish. All because Jack Frost bites.

The Reddies head to Goondiwindi on Saturday to face arguably the most improved club this year. The Hawks are fighting to keep their season alive and they will want the prized scalp of the competition leaders.

The following week brings a bye (which most players will train for), then next comes Coolaroo, another bye and South Toowoomba. The most difficult of finishes to the season of any club.

Kyle Thorn played the best game of his short career. He never gave up in the packs and won the ball consistently.

Newcomers Chad Wilson, Ben Heppell, Max Triffit and Dustin Robertson have shown that they will be an asset for the rest of the year.

reddies' best

• Best players: Kyle Thorn, Brendan Iles, Adam Stevenson, Coen Slatter, Ben Heppell and Chad Wilson.
• Goal scorers: Max Triffit 2, Ben Heppell 2, Damien Morris, Tim Tate, Nick Donges and Kurt Heier 1 each.
• Game awards: Carey's Butchers Award, Adam Stevenson. 2S Plumbing Award, Kyle Thorn, Palace Hotel Award, Adam Stevenson.