Barraba Rams against Magpies
Barraba Rugby Union Club Match Report – Tamworth Magpies
Women's Match
The Barraba women took the field on Saturday looking to continue their outstanding season, and they did just that with a convincing 46–17 victory over the Tamworth Magpies.
The opening quarter was tightly contested, with the Magpies threatening early before a forward pass denied them a certain try. Barraba quickly capitalised, with Lily Bradshaw and Leilani Tevaga both producing brilliant individual efforts to cross the line after finding space. The Magpies managed to score on the stroke of quarter time to reduce the margin to 12–5.
Barraba maintained the pressure in the second quarter, with Bradshaw once again showing her speed to race away for her second try. Magpies standout Claire Hutton responded with another five-pointer, proving difficult to contain all afternoon. A well-executed lineout move inside the 22 saw Amie Middlemiss cross before halftime, giving Barraba a 24–12 lead at the break.
The third quarter belonged entirely to the Rams. Tries to Middlemiss, Emily Kelso and Tevaga, combined with a determined defensive effort that kept the Magpies scoreless, extended the lead to 39–12 heading into the final quarter.
The Magpies came out firing in the last period, spending several minutes camped on Barraba's line before Hutton completed her hat-trick. Barraba responded immediately through a brilliant counterattack, with Addison Dixon slicing through the defence for a 70-metre break before popping the ball up to Leilani Tevaga, who crossed for her own hat-trick. Dixon added the conversion to seal an impressive 46–17 victory.
Tries: Lily Bradshaw (2), Leilani Tevaga (3), Amie Middlemiss (2), Emily Kelso
Conversions: Lily Bradshaw (2), Addison Dixon
Players' Points
- 3 – Amie Middlemiss
- 2 – Lily Bradshaw
- 1 – Addison Dixon
Players' Player: Amie Middlemiss
Men's Match
The Barraba men produced one of their strongest performances of the season, pushing the Tamworth Magpies all the way in a thrilling contest that wasn't decided until the closing minutes.
Barraba made the perfect start, with halfback Digby Munro putting through a perfectly weighted kick for Cody Townsend to gather and score within the opening five minutes. A missed conversion left the Rams with a 5–0 lead before the Magpies responded with a converted try to edge ahead 7–5.
The Rams continued to apply pressure and were rewarded late in the first half when Cody Townsend calmly slotted a penalty goal to reduce the margin. The Magpies managed to strike once more before the break, taking a narrow 14–8 lead into half-time despite Barraba matching them across the park.
Barraba came out firing in the second half, with Townsend crossing for his second try of the afternoon and Nick Sweeney also getting over the line as the Rams took control of the contest. Their disciplined defence and relentless effort saw Barraba reclaim the lead, and they held the advantage until the 76th minute.
With just minutes remaining, the Magpies found a late try to snatch victory in heartbreaking fashion, claiming a 24–20 win. While the result didn't fall Barraba's way, it was an outstanding performance against one of the competition's strongest sides and a clear sign of the progress the team continues to make.
Tries: Cody Townsend (2), Nick Sweeney
Conversions: Cody Townsend
Penalty Goals: Cody Townsend
Players' Points
- 3 – Brandon Newell
- 2 – Nick Sweeney
- 1 – Lachy Mack
Players' Player: Digby Munro
Looking ahead, the Barraba Rams return home this Saturday, 18 July, to take on the Armidale Blues in what promises to be another exciting day of rugby. The day also marks the club's annual Ladies Day, with plenty happening on and off the field. Kick-off is 2:00pm for the women's match, followed by the men's game at 3:15pm. We encourage everyone to come along, support the Rams and help make Ladies Day another fantastic occasion at Barraba Rugby Club.