A youthful squad of Armidale Blues players travelled to Tamworth to compete in the Tamworth 7s Challenge coming away with the win and setting themselves up for a great season of rugby.
The competition was the pre-game fixture before the NSW Waratahs v Samoa match held at Scully Park in Tamworth. The team, a mix of youthful inexperience with an element of old hand expertise, played strongly to win the final against Gunnedah in a great display of fast, no mistakes, running rugby. Having narrowly lost the first game to The Tamworth Pirates, 10-12, the Blues then beat Tamworth Magpies and Gunnedah. Gunnedah played outstanding rugby to beat the Tamworth Pirates in the semis only to be outdone for pace and enthusiasm by a strong Armidale outfit.
The team was well lead by John Roberts and Ray Paserio and coached by Shane Bowden, Jon Hawthorne and Anthony McMillan.
“This is a great start for the Club this year,” team strapper Jim Bannigan said.
“The boys have come together early, and the spirit and enjoyment this bunch displayed means we are in for a pretty strong season.
“The numbers at training have been fantastic. Salty (Mike Te Moana – Head coach) and the other coaches are doing a great job.”
Training continues on Tuesday and Thursday from 6pm and all players are welcome to come along.
Story: Ian Lloyd
