A HARD-fought 17-point victory over St Albert's College has seen Robb College claim second place on the New England Rugby Union ladder.
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Played under lights, the two rivals battled it out for a victory heading into the Easter long-weekend.
Albies were out to atone for their 46-3 defeat at the hands of Robb in round one, and were looking likely to do just that, with the scores locked at 19 apiece heading into the final 20 minutes of the game.
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However, fresh legs proved the difference for Robb in what coach Sam Ditchfield described as "pretty trying conditions".
"The ground was quite hard underfoot but given we were playing at night a dew had settled in," Ditchfield told the Leader.
"Guys from both sides were finding it tough sliding and falling all over the place.
"Really though, the score line doesn't reflect how close the game actually was.
"We were really happy to get the win, full credit to Albies they have really improved since we last played them.
"I think they will continue to improve as the season goes on."
Fresh legs provided by reserve players Edger Bragg and Tom Campbell helped drive Robb's late push for victory, seeing the side add another 17 points in the final 20 minutes to finish 36-19 winners.
"Both Tom and Edger really stood up for us," Ditchfield said.
"I think both of them have mostly played second and third grade over the last couple of seasons, but to have them come in like that for us was really handy.
"Particularly Edger, he came on after one of our second rowers injured his eye in the first five minutes of the game. He, along with Jack Mann at 10, were massive in us getting over the line."
With the match moved forward from April 27, both sides will enjoy a week off before Robb get set to face Barbarians on May 4, while Albies will take on the Armidale Blues.
"This little bit of a break between games should really help a few of our guys freshen up a bit," Ditchfield said.
"We've had a fair few injuries so far this season, it's mostly been our second grade that has been hit but it would be nice to get a few back."