BARRABA’S disappointment was obvious after the points slipped through their fingers at Tamworth Rugby Park on Saturday.
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They led for almost 60 minutes of the game and with just a couple of minutes to go looked like notching their second win of the season.
But after having the better of the last 20 minutes the Magpies scored and converted to snatch the points 17-15.
It was hard to swallow after toughing it out for 80 minutes in the mud, but beneath the disappointment coach Nick Bomford was optimistic.
“I think we’re on the money,” Bomford said. Despite the conditions and late withdrawal of captain and inside centre Luke White, which “was a big hole to fill”, the Rams were willing to throw the ball around and produced the spectacular at times.
Their first try came from a chip over the top and regather, and kick pass out wide.
Later in the first half they almost scored after a smart grubber through from Luke Smith for winger Michael Rutherford.
But the Magpies just managed to scramble back and ground the ball.
On another couple of occasions kicks just beat their intended target into touch, having created a bit of space.
Generally they did try to keep the ball in hand a bit more, and such was Bomford’s instructions at half-time, when they led 10-5.
“I said football in hand and play territory,” he said.
Although handling wasn’t easy.
“You were playing with a cake of soap for the last 50 minutes,” Bomford said.
He couldn’t really pinpoint anywhere they got beaten, and for the first 60 minutes he felt they were on top.
“The last 20 the rub of the game didn’t quite go our way,” he said.
They didn’t get as much territory and possession and were down to 14 for the last 10, and the Magpies swooped.
Bomford noted the home side really upped the ante when Blake Etheridge was sin-binned.
Prop Will Robinson was outstanding for them up front coming back from injury.
He hadn’t played since the Country Championships a month-and-a-half ago.
Five-eighth Ben Withers and number eight Callum McCarthy also had strong games.
“We’re looking towards trying to finish on a positive note this first round,” Bomford said.
They’ve got Walcha, at home, this week and then Gunnedah.
And their finals hopes aren’t lost with the top side from the second tier making the sixth team in the finals.
Bomford believes that can be them.
