St Albert’s College were far from their best when they were downed by Armidale Blues in round four but the reigning premiers will aim to bounce back against Tamworth Magpies this Saturday.
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Albies started their New England Rugby season against the Magpies, with a 42-5 thumping of the newcomers, before escaping with a 25-16 win against the Barbarians in round two.
Albies coach Chris Kelly lamented his side were far from their best in their 36-19 loss to Armidale and is hoping they can find the form which delivered them the win.
“We tried very hard to lose against Baa Baas and against the Blues we succeeded,” he said.
“It was a disappointing performance by us be we will bounce back and learn from it.
“I think we have to address a few areas we have probably been a bit light on and we have done that this week.
“I was disappointed with the way that they played and probably our preparation going in.
“I didn't even have to say anything, everyone just had their heads down.
“Even though the boys have come back from all stretches of NSW and Queensland to play the game, we just were flat and didn't execute things that we have done well for years and that was the disappointing part.”
Albies were hindered by university holidays and had limited preparation leading into the Blues’ fixture but Kelly said they have been back on the training paddock this week and will be ready for redemption.
“It is good to have a week of preparation instead of basically three weeks off,” he said.
“It will be a better performance by us this weekend.”
The Magpies improved after their round one defeat and in their last outing against Robb College, they nearly snatched a draw with a flurry of points in the dying stages of the game.
Kelly is expecting an improved Tamworth outfit this Saturday and warned his team not to get complacent.
“Against Tamworth we just have to get our game back together,” he said.
“I think Tamworth will be improved on our first round efforts against them.
“It is a bit of a learning curve in changing zones, it is probably quite a different style of play up here which would probably hamper a Central North side coming in.
“We certainly won't be taking them lightly and won't be reading into anything from the first round.”
Ellen Dunger
Originally from the Blue Mountains, I spent my teenage years in the Riverina at boarding school before moving to Bathurst in 2012 to complete Bachelor of Sport Studies/ Bachelor of Communications (journalism) at Charles Sturt University. I started my career at The Blayney Chronicle in May 2015 and worked casually, one day a week at the Central Western Daily later that year. I moved to Armidale in March 2016 to take on the role as the Northern Tablelands' sports journalist. Played a variety of sports in my lifetime including touch football, league tag, gymnastics, dance, cross country running and equestrian. Am currently involved in endurance horse riding and racing. Always happy to hear news and tips. Contact me via email: ellen.dunger@austcommunitymedia.com.au or phone/ text 0438 259 985 www.facebook.com/ellendungerjournalist/
Originally from the Blue Mountains, I spent my teenage years in the Riverina at boarding school before moving to Bathurst in 2012 to complete Bachelor of Sport Studies/ Bachelor of Communications (journalism) at Charles Sturt University. I started my career at The Blayney Chronicle in May 2015 and worked casually, one day a week at the Central Western Daily later that year. I moved to Armidale in March 2016 to take on the role as the Northern Tablelands' sports journalist. Played a variety of sports in my lifetime including touch football, league tag, gymnastics, dance, cross country running and equestrian. Am currently involved in endurance horse riding and racing. Always happy to hear news and tips. Contact me via email: ellen.dunger@austcommunitymedia.com.au or phone/ text 0438 259 985 www.facebook.com/ellendungerjournalist/
