Not only did the Spudettes nil the Rams in the leaguetag, but the Spuds gave the Pie Eaters an almighty scare in the first grade clash at Rugby League Park.

The Spudettes hit the ground running and posted points early when Britt Youman slipped through the defence for the first try.

Sophie Gaukroger converted for a 6-nil lead.

The Guyra dominance continued for the remainder of the half but no more points appeared until after the halftime siren had sounded.

A long break down-field made way for a width of the field shift that ended in a try to Isabelle Howland on the left side.

The 10-point haul for the half was a fairer reflection of Guyra’s performance, but the zero score in defence was even more telling. 

The second half proved much the same with no way through the Guyra line.

At the other end, Bea Roberts split the Armidale defence and stepped around the cover to score Guyra’s third try of the day and when Sophie Gaukroger converted it was 16-nil.

That score remained until the final bell and the Spudettes had their fourth win of the season and their first shut-out scoreline.

Bea Roberts was players’ player, Taylor Waters was presented with three club points, Brianna Sutton gained two and Alli Burey picked up one.

The Spuds maintained the Guyra momentum early in the first grade clash when Scott Miller crashed over for the opening try.

In fact Guyra claimed the first 30 points of the day when the Spuds raced to a 14-nil lead.

Nesi Puta also barged over from close range to make it 10-nil and then a quick spread to the right flank saw Graham Smith flick pass to Brock Laybutt for another touch-down.

That’s where the momentum came to a halt as Armidale got on a roll before halftime and scored three tries of its own to lead 18-14.

That blew out to 24-14 after the break before Guyra turned the game again.

Miller went over for his second try and Laybutt made a long break down the wing to set up Kyle Mongta to score and convert.

With the score locked at 24-all the Spuds might have regained the lead on the back of repeat sets near the Armidale line.

But when the defence held firm the chance was gone and the Rams soon hit the front.

Unfortunately, it was like deja-vu for Guyra who threatened to upset the Rams last time they met, only to concede late tries.

This time the Rams racked up three more tries to win 44-24 and get out of jail.

Coach Stephen Kliendienst said it was “one that got away” but was impressed at how his side dominated the early stages.

Miller was voted players’ player and took out the three club points to go with his two tries.

Beau Orchard (two) and Matt Duthie (one) received the rest of the points.

This Saturday the Super Spuds begin three weeks of home games to complete the season when they battle the Moree Boars.

Grant Robertson