Barraba Rams v Inverell winning 24-10
Barraba Rams Honour Past Members with Strong Showing at Home
The Barraba Rams returned to the paddock over the weekend for a deeply meaningful round of rugby, hosting Inverell in front of a home crowd. This round was more than just about the footy—it was a chance for the club to come together in memory of past members who are no longer with us. Both the women’s and men’s teams played with heart and pride on this special Memorial Day, with the men’s side also contesting the Tom Nash Memorial Shield.
The women’s match saw a change to the usual format, with Inverell unfortunately struggling for numbers. The sides agreed to play 9-a-side, with Barraba lending players and subs to ensure the game could go ahead in the right spirit. After the first quarter, a number of Barraba players crossed over to help even things out, a gesture that reflects the true community values both clubs share.
Despite the disjointed format early on, the Rams managed to find their rhythm quickly and took control of the first half with solid teamwork and confident attack. Their ability to hold onto possession and create space allowed them to run in a series of tries, bringing the halftime score to 52–0. With the mercy rule coming into effect before the break, the second half became an opportunity to focus on game strategies and combinations.
Barraba continued their scoring form in the second half, but it was also great to see Inverell get some points on the board thanks to improved structure and support—helped in part by the Barraba players who stepped up on both sides. Lily Bradshaw and Jordyn Snape led the scoring for the Rams, while Brooke McKinnon, Kiah Newell, Zahlie Cabot, and Kirra Jordan also crossed the line.
The match also gave the team a chance to work on their systems and decision-making under pressure. Brooke McKinnon stood out with smart space-making runs, and there was some excellent defensive work across the board. Emily Kelso made a number of strong tackles throughout the game, showing great commitment and positioning. Kirrily Bloink impressed in her debut with solid tackling and strong support play. Overall, it was a solid performance from the Rams, but just as importantly, it was played in the right spirit—with sportsmanship, humility, and respect front and centre.
Points:
3 – Jordyn Snape
2 – Lily Bradshaw
1 – Emily Kelso and Ebony Urquhart
Players Player – Maddison Darlington
The Barraba Reserve Grade side kicked off their Memorial Day clash with strong intent, getting on the scoreboard early thanks to a 4th-minute penalty goal from Oisín McKenna. Sustained pressure inside Inverell’s quarter soon paid off again, with the ball going wide off a quick ruck and Cody Townsend crossing in the 10th minute.
Barraba controlled much of the first half with disciplined play and solid structure. Just before the break, Kane Ward added to the tally with a well-deserved try in the final minute of the half—much to the delight of the team and supporters, as he officially took himself off the nudie run list. The Rams went into halftime leading 17–0.
Inverell came out with renewed energy in the second half and were rewarded with a try in the 60th minute. However, Barraba responded immediately, with Brenden Newell crossing in the 62nd to restore the momentum. Inverell managed a late consolation try in the 67th minute, but the Rams had already done enough to secure the win, finishing 24–10, keeping the Tom Nash Shield in Barraba.
There were some standout moments from Noah Theofanou, who was involved in several key plays and brought great energy to the field. While it was a solid team performance overall, there’s still some work to be done around the scrum, with the forwards aiming to tighten things up in the weeks ahead.
The win sees Barraba sitting third on the ladder—just one point behind Quirindi.
Points:
3 – Cody Townsend
2 – Noah Theofanou
1 – Alex Abra
Players Player – Noah Theofanou
The Rams have a well-earned bye this weekend but will be back in action on July 5th, travelling to Moree. Supporters are encouraged to make the trip and get behind both teams on the road!