St Albert’s College earned themselves another week off after booking the first spot in the New England Rugby Union grand final.
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The reigning premiers took on university rivals Robb College in the major semi-final and finished as 43-10 victors.
It wasn’t an easy start for Albies with Robb dominating the opening stages in a physical encounter.
An early error for Robb looked dire but they managed to win the lineout and cart the ball to their opponents’ tryline.
They had the first attempt at a five-pointer but the minor premiers’ defence denied them the opportunity.
When Albies made their way up the other end of the field, they capitalised to hit a 7-nil lead.
Nick Sorensen hit back for Robb two minutes later before Albies’ James Reynolds crossed for five points.
By halftime, the score had stretched to 19-5 in favour of the current champions.
It took less than two minutes for Albies to extend their lead in the second half when Keagan Size stormed over.
A penalty goal followed by a try to Sam Caster increased the margin to 36-5.
Tom Menzies crossed for Robb with under 10 minutes to go but it was the premiers who had the final say when Jack Lane crossed to bring the scoreline to 43-10 and land Albies a spot in the decider.
Captain Alex Pay was lauded by his coaches for his efforts to earn his team’s three points.
Pay said it was “special” to make the grand final for the second year running and expects to meet Robb again in two weeks.
“[For] a lot of boys, this is our last year so one last hurrah together and hopefully we can come away with a victory for the second year in a row,” he said.
“There’s nothing more sweet than beating Robb.
“No doubt we will probably meet them in the grand final and it will be a different kettle of fish so we will train hard and aim up next time we play them.”
Pay was pleased with his side’s ability to hold out their university rivals in the opening stages on Saturday but said there are still a few things they have to get right if they are to take two straight titles.
“I think the key to our success was we muscled up in the forward pack and dominated that breakdown and that allowed our quicker men out wide have freedom to move,” he said.
“When we got ourselves into the other half we started to play too quick for our own good. We just need to slow it down and reset, regroup and go again.”
In the earlier clashes, Armidale Blues defeated Albies in third grade, Albies were victorious over Gwydir in the second grade game and Robb’s women’s sevens team beat the Barbets.