Despite being on the end of a pretty hefty scoreline, Walcha Rams coach Barry Hoy still found plenty of positives in his new-look first grade side's pre-season hit out.
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The Rams made their way north on Saturday to face Far North Coast champions Lennox Head in the annual Premiers' Challenge hosted by the Tenterfield Bumblebees.
A Berrick Barnes-led Lennox Head triumphed 40-7 over the 2020 New England premiers, the former Wallaby dominant throughout.
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"To have Berrick around controlling the whole game - I don't think he has been tackled - with his kicking game," Hoy said.
"These blokes probably won't play another team in Central North like that."
While it might have been a Premiers Challenge for the two Zones' grand final winners, it was a different Walcha team to the one who lifted the trophy.
Seven new faces lined up for the Rams with several of their stars hanging up the boots as well as Dom Bower and Ed Cordingley unavailable for the match.
"I think all the signs are there and by the end of the season we will be there doing it," Hoy said.
"We have seven new starters there so it will take them a couple of weeks to get together but other than that it is going pretty good.
"We will be in for a pretty fair season.
"We are pretty happy with the way things are shaping up at the moment.
"We should have two pretty solid grades."
Hoy was happy with the low-physicality and high speed of the game, believing it was "a good hit out for these blokes."
Earlier in the day, Walcha's second grade combined with Glen Innes to face the Bumblebees and were beaten 17-7.
The Rams have departed the New England competition this year and head back to Central North.
They will play their first game against rivals, Tamworth Pirates, in Walcha on April 10.
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