St Albert’s will head into Sunday’s New England Rugby finals full of confidence after knocking off runaway minor premiers the Armidale Blues 47-36 in Saturday’s final round.
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The result didn’t help the third-placed Ablies rise up the table, but it has reaffirmed their premiership aspirations after an up and down season.
“We were pretty happy with the win,” Albies coach Tom Newsome said.
“The result didn’t mean anything, but it was good to show we can beat them.”
Three early tries had Albies up 19-3 at the break.
The Blues scored first after half time to bring the deficit back to 19-10 and the teams traded scores until the final whistle, but Albies held on for a confidence building win.
It was actually the second time Albies had beaten the Blues this season after being the first side to do it way back in round two.
“We’ve won two each now,” Newsome said.
Dan Sweeny scored a hat-trick for Albies to go with two tries to James Reynolds.
Sweeny, lock Olly Bartlett and inside centre Alex Pay took home the best and fairest honours for the students.
Halfback Matt Houlahan was also impressive after missing much of the year with injury.
“We got a good backline so heading in I knew we had to match them in the forwards and I think we did that,” Newsome said.
“Our guys really stood up and tackled well too.”
Albies will spend this week preparing for their huge semi-final grudge match against Robb College on Sunday.
Robb has won all four matches the two sides have played this year, leaving Albies desperate for a win.
“We haven’t beaten them yet this year,” Newsome said.
“It should be a cracking game.”
The Albies coach said they would take in a similar game plan to face Robb as they did against the Blues.
“They have a strong forward pack, much like the Blues,” Newsome said.
“It will be a matter of not letting them dominate possession.
“If we do that and get our share of possession I think we will do well.”