Armidale Blues faced newcomers to New England Rugby’s first grade competition, Tamworth Magpies, on Saturday to escape with a tight 19-16 win.
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After drawing with Robb College in round one, Blues coach Luke Stephen said his side had worked on their defence before taking on the Magpies.
“We worked a lot on that during the week, having leaked some easy points against Robb, and it was encouraging to see that our defence was a lot tighter, particularly with the game on the line,” he said.
“They were able to repel Tamworth and their sizeable players which was encouraging to Mark and I as coaches.”
Stephen said the opening two rounds have given his side an indication of a few key weaknesses in the side.
“Against Robb we were able to show some great composure and ability to execute with the game on the line and last week it was the belief in our defensive work to be able to get the win,” he said.
“We know we have a lot of things to improve but it is a very encouraging spot to be in in what is shaping up to be a very even competition.”
This Saturday’s match will see the Blues take on the Barbarians who missed out on a win in their first game of the year against St Albert’s College in round two.
Stephen is expecting a physical encounter and said his side need stay switched on for the whole game.
“We know that the games between the clubs are always very passionate and physical encounters,” he said.
“For our club it is about ensuring that we meet that physicality in a composed way for the full 80 minutes.”
In first grade’s other game, St Albert’s College continued their winning ways to down the Barbarians 25-16.
While they bagged the win, Albies coach Chris Kelly said it was a below par performance.
“The good thing about it was that every bloke knew it wasn't where we needed to be as a team and I didn't have to say too much, they already knew the answer,” he said.
“They have learned a lesson from it hopefully.
“There is certainly no need to panic about it, we knew where we went wrong and know we are a better team than we were on Saturday.
“On a positive note there is a lesson to be learned there and the talk at training during the week was I think that lesson has been learned.
“There are some positives you can draw from it.”
Albies have the bye this Saturday.