Round 2 action in New England Rugby Union will get underway on Saturday with a grand final rematch between the home side Barbarians and St Alberts College.
Barbarians are eager to roll out the hard work at training on the field says Club President, Frazer Yule.
“We’ve got a good group of young players coming through, and we’re looking forward to seeing how they progress”, said Frazer.
“Luke Armytage and Paige Anderson in particular are exciting prospects.”
Barbarians will boast eternal Billy Hyde retuning to the line up while they look for stability and consistency under coach Brad Hague.
Albies are excited to take the field after their comfortable round 1 win over Tamworth. Benny Childes scored three tries on debut last week and will want to keep his form going, while Nick Alcorn’s performance will be one to watch at Alcatraz.
But it’s not just the men to watch, the women’s 10’s games are set to impress with coaches Dan Dooner and Will Green, preparing an ever-strong Barbettes side to take on first round winners, Albies.
Skye Gordon-Briggs and Paige Anderson will be two to watch as they go head-to-head this weekend.
Across town Armidale Blues will play host to Tamworth Magpies, who are coming off a disappointing first round loss.
Armidale finished strong, taking the points off Robb last week, but they’ll need to be careful of a Tamworth side that will be hurting and looking bounce back their season early.
Armidale’s Tom Morgan was a stand-out in last weekend’s game, while Morgan Pennefather will be looking to add to his two-try haul.
Tamworth’s women’s were strong in round one and will be hoping to go one better against Armidale’s women’s Blues, who will also be looking to improve.
New England Rugby is expecting big games from the Magpies’ Aimee Watts and Armidale’s Natalia Mayes.
Glen Innes will celebrate ladies’ day at Elk Park when they take on Robb College, with Tenterfield hoping to open their account in what should be a cracking few days of footy.
Robb will need to be on their toes to stop Glen Innes’ pace out wide, while the two women’s teams are eager to stamp their mark in this competition.
Round 2 New England Rugby Games:
Barbarians Vs St Alberts Alcatraz Rugby Park Robbs Rugby College Vs Glen Innes/Tenterfield Bellevue Oval Armidale Blues Vs Tamworth Magpies Moran Oval
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