Barraba are notorious for being tough in the tackle and devious at the break down and on Saturday they displayed plenty of these characteristics. Walcha had a little bit more class and power to run out eventual winners 27-17.

It was a game that defied the conditions with some really fast paced, entertaining rugby played despite the field being half cattle yard, half ice rink.

The first half featured plenty of good forward play and strong defence around the ruck. This put pressure on Barraba to try their luck a bit wider which only found more impenetrable defence created by Ed Churchill and Corey Jamieson.

Barraba eventually resorted to an old fashioned game plan of hoisting ‘gary-owens’ in the hope of capitalising on any Walcha errors and scoring points in open play. Once again Walcha’s skill level was up to the test as Richard Young and Steve Eveleigh diffused Barraba’s aerial attack. By half time Barraba had kicked a penalty and scored an intercept try to lead the Walcha lads 10-7.

The second half again saw Barraba score when a drop goal attempt ricocheted off the goal post to find a surprised “Green Ram” to score, allowing Barraba to open up a bit of a buffer on Walcha.

Walcha hit back with tries to Sam Lisle and Charlie Street. Walcha’s goal-kicking fullback was at his high stepping, Welsh best; nailing three conversions.

Lachie Brown and Ciaran O’Gorman were also a hand full in both attack and defence. There was plenty of courage shown in the halves as Stevie Harwood and Jason Latham performed well. Young and Eveleigh made plenty of yards in open play.

First grade are currently in second position on the ladder. Try scorers were; Richard Young, Sam Lisle and Charlie Street, Gwylim Evans and three conversions. Players’ player and three points to Sam Lisle, Ciaran O’Gorman 2 and Corey Jamieson 1.

Reserve Grade

Walcha reserve grade ground out a 7-5 win at Barraba to secure second position on the ladder over their small town rivals. The hosts made Walcha feel at home providing a day that featured all four seasons and plenty of engaging conversation between players and referee. And after the first 35 minutes spectators could not be blamed for thinking they had turned up to a debate rather than a rugby match. The score board showed 5-nil lead to Barraba at half time.