The new partnership between the Tenterfield Bumblebees and Glen Innes Elks officially got off the ground on Saturday with the first round of the New England Rugby Union competition.
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Three grades hit Federation Park with the Bees' third grade starting things off.
President Jeremy Phipps estimated around a dozen Bees were part of the side who scored a 38-10 win over the Barbarians.
The rest of the team was made up of Elks players.
"It was a good result and the Glen Innes-Tenterfield blocking seems to be working and a bright future hopefully," he said.
"Six or seven rugby guys and four or five leaguies. We had four guys that were out this week as well, as we will be for most games - we always have three or four out each week.
"The guys played very well and it was a good game."
The women's match followed third grade with the Barbets winning 49 points to 15.
It was a good learning curve for the Elks women against the experienced Barbets who have appeared in numerous grand finals.
The guys played very well and it was a good game.
- Jeremy Phipps
The second grade fixture went the way of the Barbarians 27-5.
Results aside, it is hoped the new connection will spark a bit of interest back into rugby union in Tenterfield.
Phipps said a few people turned out despite the weather.
"It was a sleeting sideways so the crowd was definitely limited but I think it was more the weather," he said.
"I think there would have been a lot more if it wasn't a true New England Rugby day. There was definitely interest there and there will definitely be people coming but it wasn't a very nice day to be standing on the sideline watching footy."
This Saturday, the two clubs will host Robb College in Glen Innes.
Phipps is hoping they continue to get a roll on.
"They are always young and fit and fast," he said.
"We play the complete opposite game to them.
"Slow in the forwards sort of thing.
"As long as our backs can wrangle their back and slow them down I think our forwards can win the game because of the size of us."