St Albert’s College maintained university bragging rights against rivals Robb in a top two New England Rugby encounter.
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One week after Albies suffered their first loss for the season, a one-point margin against Barbarians, the reigning premiers were eager to make amends.
Their redemption started right on track and they were first to put points on the board through a Jack Lane-try.
I thought it was just a good, grinding performance.
- Chris Kelly
Robb got their scoring underway through a penalty kick but Albies pulled out to a 14-3 lead at the break.
Robb crossed first in the second half before their opponents snagged a try five minutes later.
Robb again managed to earn another try to close in 21-15 but back-to-back penalty goals to Albies ensured the premiers would again hoist themselves further up the first grade ladder.
Albies’ co-coach Chris Kelly said the side were disappointed with their performance against Baa Baas and he didn’t have to motivate them to re-find their winning form.
“I thought it was just a good, grinding performance,” he said.
“The boys bounced back very well from last week, they executed a lot of the time during the game and that was very pleasing for us.
“We focused on the mistakes we made and let them go and decide what they thought went wrong.”
Kelly struggled to find a standout in the 27-15 win.
“James Reynolds was fantastic as was Alex Pay, our captain and credible mentions to everyone else on the field, particularly Will Turner and Sam Knight, they really dug deep for that one point,” Kelly said.
“It is pretty hard to knock out points for someone like Jack Lane and Tom Condon who also had big games, it was a very hard choice today.”
The victory puts them in good stead for the remainder of the season with two rounds to go.
Albies have Armidale Blues this Saturday and the bye in the final round.
It was a tight finish in the other game between Glen Innes Guyra and the Baa Baas. In a fundraiser for local youngsters Tommy and Josie who are fighting cancer in Newcastle, the Baa Baas got the points 15-14.