The game was played in diabolical conditions with players bringing plenty of Inverell mud back up the hill with the field resembling the Walcha cattle yards after the two games. The quick starting Rams played a combative style of football. Defence was always going to be paramount in the heavy conditions and Walcha showed plenty of mongrel close to the ruck, burying their much larger opponents with gladiatorial like hits. Although the Rams trailed 16-3 after the first 50 minutes, the boys were confident that they had their opponent’s measure. Walcha were making more line breaks and were recycling possession as well as they had all year.

However the final half hour of the game saw a significant momentum change. Crucial penalties on the back of a tsunami of possession, allowed the highlanders to grab the game by the neck. The Inverell front row started to cause plenty of headaches out wide. They used their big men with great effect, this combined with a red and white sin binning meant that the Rams chances of a victory were fading quickly.

The Highlanders went on to win the game handsomely. But the Rams showed plenty of grit and the score line was not a true indication of the physicality and closeness of the contest. In a game that was played in the forwards, it was the pigs that shone in the mud for Walcha. Schmidt, Street and Fletcher provided plenty of run and in attack and starch in defence. Blomfield was again a menace around the ruck, pilfering ball and ensuring the Ram’s were able to retain their possession.

If you’re after some unbridled laizes-faire rugby, then Captain Cook oval is the place to be this Saturday when the boys take on the Blue Boars from Narrabri. Walcha will be determined to atone for their close loss in the first round and the shackles will be off as the boys are determined to provide some serious entertainment for their loyal supporters.

Points: Jock Fletcher 3, Ed Blomfield 2 , Charlie Street 1 and Christoph Schmidtand players’ player.