In reserve grade, Guyra performed well scoring the only try of the game but unfortunately gave away two converted penalties to lose 6-5. Players’ player for reserve grade was Leroy Devine who has been strong for the Ghosts all season, stealing the ball at the breakdown. 

Second grade have two more games this year. This weekend’s game against Armidale in Armidale and then next week against Bingara at Warialda. 

In first grade, the Ghosts were under serious pressure at the start of their game being down 11-nil after only 15 minutes of play. 

The Barbarians opened the scoring with a try which was created using their speed in the outside backs to get around the edge of the Ghosts’ defence. The conversion was missed so the score was 5-nil. Moments later Barbarians were awarded two penalties and they achieved their 11-0 lead. 

This spurred the Ghosts into action and they advanced off the restart into Baa Baas territory where they were awarded a penalty in kicking range. Rather than taking the 3 points Guyra went for a lineout which went over the back to Jamie Vidler who picked up the ball and scored beside the posts. 

With the score 11-7 to Baa Baas, Guyra kept on the attack with some good rugby played in the forward pack. A penalty was awarded close to the try line and Greg Hill opted to tap and go having the Baa Baas on the back foot. The forwards did their pick and drive and Liva Sili scored one of his typical tries by quickly taking the ball from the ruck and driving over the try line. The score then favoured Guyra 14-11 with half time yet to come. 

Baa Baas came on the attack off the restart through their fullback, Keith Ellis and when Kautai Molua lightly patted him on the shoulder the ref dived into his pocket for a yellow card to send him to the bin for a high tackle. Guyra went into the halftime break with 14 men and a three point lead.

After halftime Guyra’s powerful centres, Dan Vidler and Vernon Horne had some great attacking runs through the Baa Baas’ defence but the Barbarians just managed to stop the Ghosts from scoring further points with good cover defence. 

Keith Ellis kicked another penalty from in front of the sticks to level the scores at 14-all and with 10 minutes to go Baa Baas were awarded a further penalty right in front from 45 meters out. Keith Ellis slotted it no problem.

The Ghosts tried hard to gain field possession but the counter attack from Barbarians kept the game in Guyra’s half. With 5 minutes to go Guyra got the field possession it needed through some good running rugby down the side but, as the forwards did their pick and drives towards the looming try line, a penalty was awarded to Barbarians for Guyra not releasing the ball by the tackled player. 

Barbarians then kicked the ball into Ghost territory where it stayed till the full time whistle. Final score being Barbarians 17 Guyra 14; Guyra having scored two converted tries and Barbarians one try and four penalties. 

Players’ player for first grade was shared between Liva Sili and Rob Ivey with Liva getting the 3 points and Rob 2, while Ray picked up 1 point for his hard ball running and rib cracking defence. 

Guyra first grade now sit last on the New England Competition ladder with 25 points. Barbarians are on 28 points and it comes down to this weekend’s game to determine which team makes the finals. 

If Guyra beat Armidale on Saturday they will reach 29 points and, provided that Barbarians lose to Robb College, Guyra will leap frog Barbarians into fourth position and the finals. 

So this Saturday’s game against Armidale is vital for the Ghosts to win to have any chance of playing finals football. 

They have the player profiles and the incentive but will they put a team performance together good enough to beat a well rested Armidale side which is desperate to stop Guyra from being a finals threat.

Thursday’s training is a must for all players to attend (even if it’s raining) and prepare for the must win encounter on Saturday. 

Guyra Rugby would like to thank Guyra Fuels for sponsoring Saturday’s game and some of our other valued sponsors: Guyra Emporium, Guyra Bakery, Glenmorgan Angus, Millers Excavating, Eastern Plains Angus and Trent Jones’s Contracting Services. 

The Guyra Ghost