Guyra missed the opportunity to break away from St. Alberts and Barbarians on Saturday at Moran Oval when they played competition leaders the Armidale Blues.
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The day was perfect for Rugby, the ground was in excellent condition and both teams were ready for the fray. From the whistle the Blues took the advantage with some loose play by the Ghosts who were lacking three key players, their half back, full back (who were unavailable on the day) also their inside centre out injured.
A penalty was awarded to the Blues in front of the posts for a score of 3 nil minutes into the game. Ten minutes later, good forward play by the Blues had their back line moving forward to score out wide, the try not converted score line 8 nil.
From the Ghosts kick off to restart play, the Blues from the scrum scored near the posts for a seven pointer to take the score to15-0. Guyra came back strongly late in the first half for a try by their replacement halfback Jim Sutter. This was not converted and at the half time break the score was 15-5 in favour of the Blues.
Straight after the break the Blues scored their third try to go to a lead of 22-5 and minutes later the Blues were awarded a second penalty to take the score to 25-5.
The Ghosts were determined to match the Blues up front and with some heavy tackling in the forwards set the ground work for their backs to take advantage to score two quick tries by their strike player Vernon Horne to close the gap to 25-19.
Late in the second half from an intercept ball Vernon Horne again took control to outpace three Blue defenders for a clear run to the line, only to pass the ball to his winger who knocked the ball on when a certain seven pointer was on. This would have given Guyra the lead 26-25 but to no avail.
A late try to the Blues gave them the game 32-19. This is only the second time this year that a team has scored three tries against the Blues, the first being Albies in the first round. It was the lack of cohesion in the back line due three main players out in the first half that cost the Ghosts the game.
A return match will be played this Saturday at the Glen Innes Showground
Three points went to Vernon Horne, two points to Jim Sutter, one point was shared by Ray Ika and Rob Ivey,the player’s player Vernon Horne
The Guyra Ghost