Barbarians have managed to do what no other New England Rugby team have succeeded in doing this year – beat St Albert’s College.
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Patience is what earned the team the win against the previously undefeated reigning premiers according to coach Gary Wallace.
“They were patient as a team, I think we were 17 points behind at one part and they kept their patience and played to position,” he said.
“They all played as one unit.”
We have to match their aggressiveness, I still feel they're more aggressive than us but if we can match that then hopefully our backs can finish that off.
- Gary Wallace
Wallace highlighted the performance of forward Aaron McKay, who scored two tries including the winning one in the 21-20 win, and lauded Steven Ford’s efforts.
“Steven Ford played really well at the back,” he said.
“All of our forwards led the way as a pack.
“The back three just finished things really.”
He said the team concentrated on what they set out to do.
“The boys stuck to the plan and did everything that was wanted,” he said.
“We made a few changes, Keith Ellis was playing reserve grade, a few discipline changes but the other boys who came in all stepped up.
“It was just much better one-on-one defence, each individual made their tackle stick.”
Wallace’s counterpart, Albies’ co-coach Chris Kelly lamented it was an “average performance” by his side.
“We had tried hard to come second a number of times recently,” he said.
“I think it will provide a degree of focus.
“Certainly no need to panic from our perspective.
“I’m expecting a solid bounce back.”
The Baa Baas make the trek north this Saturday to come up against Glen Innes-Guyra.
Wallace expects a battle of the forwards and said his team needs assert themselves early.
“That will be a really tough game for us,” he said.
“They are a good team and they have been performing too so we can't take them lightly.
“Last time it was a good one and I think there will be no difference in that sense.
“We have to match their aggressiveness, I still feel they're more aggressive than us but if we can match that then hopefully our backs can finish that off.”
He believes the club is in good stead for the future with a number of young players ready to step up to seniors.
“We have really good youth,” he said.
“Baa Baas are sitting well with the youth there.”