BARBARIANS coach Sam Piddington says his side will only improve after a narrow 23-17 victory against St Albert’s College on Saturday.
The Baa Baas had to fight until the final minute to take the points against Albies in the opening round of the New England Rugby Union competition.
The game was in the balance for the 80 minutes, with a late try to Dom Bower giving the Barbarians the upper hand.
“We think there’s a lot of improvement to come,” Piddington said.
“I’m sure Albies will be thinking the same.”
Because of university holidays, the competition goes on a two-week break.
The Barbarians will counter that by travelling to Kempsey on Saturday to play in a trial match.
“Some guys who played on Saturday will sit out, but it will be really good for some of our younger players,” Piddington said.
In the other first grade match, Armidale proved too strong for Robb College, winning 33-8.
The Blues ran riot in the opening half, scoring all of their points in the first 40 minutes.
The students responded well in the second half to limit the damage, but it had already been done.
SCORES
1st grade: Armidale 33 d Robb College 8; Barbarians 23 d St Albert’s College 17; Guyra bye.
2nd grade: Armidale 25 d Robb College 10; St Albert’s College 22 d Barbarians 10; Glen Innes 20 d Guyra 19.
3rd grade: Armidale 45 d Robb College 7; St Albert’s 29 d Barbarians 27; Gwydir bye.
