THE Queanbeyan Whites are heading into a weekend in perfect fashion after thumping 2013 grand finalists the Canberra Royals 38-17 in round two of the John I Dent Cup at Phillip last Saturday.
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And with the side having the bye in round one, they have shot to the top of the ladder in stating an early stronghold on the competition.
Next in their sights is the Tuggeranong Vikings at Campese Field on April 26, a team they have not toppled since 2010 when they won their last premiership.
"We trained really hard over the pre-season and we had a couple good trial games so we were very confident going into the game. We executed a game plan and stuck to it which worked for us well," said Penca of his side's win.
The key to the Whites' success was their dominance at the breakdown and go-forward through the middle of the paddock, a game plan Penca said was a must given the huge forwards the Royals have in men like Joel Penders, Jay Cash and Soku Tai, who helped lead the team to the 2013 grand final.
"We've worked on our fitness as well in getting into the rucks and mauls and giving space for our backs out wide," he said.
Debutant winger Keith Morgan and Brenden Spears, filling in at fullback for departed ACT representative Sam Windsor, were both praised by Penca for their efforts.
Penca said victory over the Royals was a big confidence-boost heading into the rest of the season, and put them in good stead against the Vikings Saturday week.
"These younger boys stepping up and putting their hand up and taking all the opportunities they can get...it does give the confidence for the team that we can go one step further this year."
