Tamworth went into their New England season opener against St Alberts on Saturday knowing they were up against it.
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COVID, and work and family commitments had left the Magpies undermanned, so much that the second grade game had to be postponed.
But for 38 minutes of the first half coach Andrew Jack said they held the students scoreless, "age and a bit of fitness" telling in the end as they ran out 24-nil victors.
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"I think Albies were a bit surprised by the intensity of our defence," he said, adding that they were really "taking them on" and didn't allow them "to play their natural game".
It wasn't all about defence, the Magpies had their moments in attack too, their "ability to break the line and find the gaps" for Jack one of the most encouraging aspects of the performance.
They just weren't able to turn those breaks into points, although they did have one try disallowed.
Not the result they were hoping for to start their 2022 campaign, considering all the disruptions and what an "ad-hoc" side they were, Jack wasn't too disappointed.
"I saw that we've still to work to do," he said.
"We can only get better. I don't think Albies will change much more than what they were."
A couple of newcomers were among the Magpies' best with Travis Henderson "impressive" at fullback.
Jack Hannaford also had a good game at five-eighth, Jack said, as did Jonty Fletcher on the wing while captain Blake Clout was as ever solid in the centres.
In the other game Robb outgunned Armidale 35-15.
Meanwhile in the women's 10s, Albies beat the Magpies 42-29, the Barbets powered to a 49-15 win over Glen Innes and the Blues won on forfeit over Robb.
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