A likeable unit everyone wrote off, defying the odds, Mudgee, after finishing last in 2014, is equal third with three comfortable wins and a tight loss this season.

Who would have guessed? Not one person by my count. 

In regards to the 2015 season, the most optimistic prediction I know of was Mudgee having an outside shot at cracking the top five.

That prediction was mine.

So, what’s changed at The Burrow?

Last year, from what I saw, they were electric in a couple of games and equally as awful in others. 

In my - very esteemed - opinion the Wombats conformed, and tried to play a generic brand of rugby which didn’t suit their players.

Clearly, the club listened to Jamaican driver Sanka Coffie during the pre-season - “all I’m saying, mon, is if we walk Jamaican, talk Jamaican, and is Jamaican, then we sure as hell better bobsled Jamaican.”

Basically they’re playing Wombats rugby, their own brand, and doing it well. 

Similarly, the Blayney Bears, also wooden spooners in 2014, are coming second with four wins from five starts.

Shrewd recruitment and good coaching has led to the Bears’ cracking start to the Group 10 season, but still, no one expected them to start this well.

This weekend is crucial for both sides. 

Both are in Orange, with Mudgee playing Orange City and Blayney taking on the red-hot Orange CYMS on Sunday.

They’re mouth-watering games and while my allegiance falls with the Orange sides, who doesn’t love an underdog ... even if they’re not really underdogs anymore.

In fact, if Mudgee and Blayney win this weekend, both will have earned the right to be considered early season contenders.

Either way, I can’t wait to watch both games.