Fifty the fitting number for big day at Barraba

It was double home success for the Rams, with second grade also getting up 35-7.

Firsts coach Nick Bomford said they wanted to play well in front of their home crowd, and delivered.

“We played exceptionally well,” he said.

They did have some improving to do from the first round against Narrabri, which was a good gauge of where they were at, Bomford said.

“It was 100 per cent improvement on Narrabri,” Bomford said.

He thought they were strong all over the paddock.

“Our set pieces were quite good and our backs were quite impressive,” he said.

The wheels were set in motion early, with the home side kicking away to a 36-5 lead at half-time.

“We spoke beforehand that we had to put points on the board before we set too many goals,” Bomford said.

“I think the boys have clicked. Everyone seems to have gelled.”

“I think we might be a dark horse if we don’t get any injuries.”

Matt Haycock was a real handful at number eight, bagging three tries and picking up the three points.

Ben Withers earned the two while Blake Etheridge and Nick Peake shared the one with Will Robinson adjudged the players’ player.

The 50th has seen a few old faces popping up.

That was emphasised in second grade, with three sets of father and sons playing.

Coach Geoff White was joined by son Beau, who was home for the weekend and Chris Darlington joined son Blake while Billy (father) and Nilsson (son) West at one stage flanked the wings.

Nilsson finished well on his, bagging three tries.

Beau White also made it onto the tryscorers’ list.