Glen Innes-Guyra managed to put a team together to take on the Barbarians in the New England Rugby minor semi-final on Sunday but it was last year’s grand finalists who had too much strength for the combined town’s team.
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After struggling for numbers last week, the GhostStags had enough numbers to field a full side.
They finished the season in fourth spot to qualify for the semi-finals but it was always going to be a tough ask to go further with the Barbarians in red-hot end of season form.
Despite putting up a good fight, the GhostStags were outclassed by the Baa Baas who will go on to play Robb College in this Saturday’s do-or-die semi-final for a chance in the decider.
Barbarians coach Gary Wallace said the whole side banded together and stepped up for the 34-10 win.
“We started off on a hard note because I had to discipline three players for arriving late,” he said.
“Three of our key boys weren't allowed to start the game.
“The guys that went on did an almighty job as a team.”
He put the win down to his side’s ability to keep their opponents out.
“We defended very well, our one-on-one defence was really solid. Our enthusiasm to want to get to the next week.
“We just tried to keep them level headed and our senior players who experienced last year played a really important role in that. Our players just played to what they wanted to achieve and that was the saving grace.”
The Baa Baas were the favourites heading into Sunday’s game but will be the underdogs against Robb College in Saturday’s grand final qualifier.
Wallace said his side have to be up for the task of matching it with a “well-drilled” and “big” students outfit.
“It is hard to describe them because they're good across the board I believe,” he said.
“Robb have done a fantastic job this year and they are not out of it.”