RUGBY UNION
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KIERAN Brennan pursed a slice of club history as Barbarians got back into the winning groove on Saturday.
After a lean run, Baa Baas finally turned their fortunes around overwhelming Guyra 37-12.
Brennan had a big hand in the win out on the wing, crossing three times.
It was just his second game in first grade this season and marked a bit of a first.
Baa Baas coach Sam Piddington said it’s the first time anyone had scored three tries at Alcatraz.
Saturday’s win was Baa Baas second. Their only other came back in the first round.
“We definitely needed it,” Piddington said.
“It was nearly the end of our season.”
A loss wouldn’t have ended their finals hopes completely but would have made it tough and they would have been reliant on other results.
“We played a lot better, smarter football,” Piddington said.
They really took a stranglehold on the match in the second half.
While they were in front at half-time, the Ghosts weren’t out of it.
“Our fitness was a big thing,” Piddington said.
“They seemed to be slowing down a bit.”
Keith Ellis’ kicking game was also a key factor.
“He had it on a string,” Piddington said.
He just kept turning the Ghosts around and they then applied the pressure through their defensive lineout.
Piddington said they’ve been working on their defensive lineout and were able to pinch a few of the Ghosts throws. They also took the most of their opportunities, and really picked up defensively.
“Our defence in the backs was probably a standout,” Piddington said.
“When we went up to Guyra last time we missed a few tackles.”
The Ghosts big centres really got over the top of them.
Not so on Saturday.
“Sam Myers had a blinder at inside centre,” he said.
“He made some big tackles.”
Chris Heywood directed the show well at five-eighth and topped the points.