It was a gutsy performance by the Ghosts to take on the very disciplined Armidale side for the third time in the competition at the Glen Innes Showground, with a limited second grade reserves as back up for any injuries.(big thank you to those players).
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Guyra started well, running downhill with the forwards pushing well into Armidale’s half. The Ghosts playing their typical pick and drive, forced the Armidale pack well into their 10 metre zone to get the upper hand to score the first try by Liva, the try was converted by Beau Orchard to lead seven nil.
The lineouts and scrums were even in the first half, with neither team gaining an advantage. Only a dropped pass by Guyra late in the first half allowed the ball to be put on the toe by Armidale. A ruck was formed by some determined defence from the Ghosts, only to see a forward rush by Te Moana to crash over out wide to score, the try was not converted.
Guyra bounced back with good forward play down the left side to see Scott Miller go over for a try, which was disallowed for a knock on over the try line, leaving Guyra’s lead seven to five at the break.
In the second half, Guyra had to run uphill, also with the sun in their face giving the advantage to Armidale. Armidale put the ball in the air and forced Guyra deep into their own half. Guyra lost the lineouts 7-1 to Armidale where their forwards took control to score two quick tries to take the lead 17-7.
Guyra regrouped, not to be outplayed by Armidale, with some spirited attacking by the forwards and backs to score by the posts to close the lead at 17-14.
Guyra suffered some injuries and with limited replacements tried a counter attack on two occasions. One by Vernon Horne broke through only to be stopped short of the line, while the second attempt was by Beau Orchard who beat the many defenders to set up a Guyra ruck a metre from the try line for the forwards to crash over for a try under the posts.
The try was disallowed for a double movement and if both the tries had been awarded, Guyra would have had a lead of 28-17.
A late try to Armidale by Te Moana to notch up three tries for the match, Armidale went on to win 24-17.
Three points to Levon, two points to Rob Ivey, one point to Beau Orchard, players’ player Rob Ivey.
This weekend we take on Robb College at Armidale.
The Guyra Ghost
