Rugby report for 8th Aug 2026

Barraba Rugby Union Report

On Saturday, 8 August, the Barraba Rams travelled to Armidale to take on Robb College. The men were the only Rams side to take the field, with the Robb women forfeiting earlier in the week.

Barraba received from the kick-off, but an early turnover handed possession straight back to Robb. Two penalties in quick succession allowed the home side to work their way downfield, and it wasn't long before they crossed for the opening try, taking an early 7–0 lead. Barraba responded well. An exceptional kick from Cody Townsend, backed up by great pressure from Pat Newton, forced a Robb knock-on and gave the Rams possession. After a few phases, five-eighth Brandon Newell put a clever kick over the defensive line, finding grass just short of the Robb try line. Pressure from Corey Jordan and Jarrod Petrus forced another Robb error, giving Barraba a scrum just five metres out.

With the scrum evenly matched, Barraba shifted the ball through the backs before bringing the forwards back into play, where No. 8 Dan Kelly barged his way over for the Rams' first points of the afternoon. The conversion was unsuccessful, leaving Robb ahead 7–5. The next 10 minutes saw some scrappy rugby from both sides and plenty of scrum work. Eventually, a Robb-fed scrum gave their backline an opportunity, with their No. 12 wrapping around, finding a gap and crossing under the posts. The conversion was unsuccessful, extending Robb's lead to 12–5.

Barraba continued to work their way into the contest and eventually found themselves deep inside Robb's 22. Repeated infringements and a questionable tackle saw the referee reach into his pocket, reducing Robb to 14 men with a yellow card.

The Rams took some time to make the extra-man advantage count, but a clever chip over the ruck from Luke Smith — playing his 200th game — helped keep Robb under pressure. Another penalty for not releasing just five metres from the line gave Pat Newton his opportunity. Thinking quickly, Newton took the tap himself and reached over the line for Barraba's second try.

Tom Croll slotted the conversion to level the scores at 12-all heading into half-time.

Robb started the second half strongly, forcing Barraba to defend for the opening five minutes. Some quick hands eventually created space out wide, with Robb crossing in the corner before adding an impressive sideline conversion to regain the lead.

Barraba weren't going away. The Rams worked their way back downfield and found touch just five metres from Robb's line. From the resulting set piece, the Barraba forwards showed their strength, driving a powerful maul over the line and giving the youngest player in the side, Khadyn Mason, a well-earned 5 points. The conversion couldn't be added, leaving Robb with the narrowest of leads at 19–17.

The final 30 minutes became a genuine arm wrestle. Scrums, lineouts and close calls came at both ends of the field, but neither side could find a way through the other's defence.

When the final whistle sounded, Robb held on to claim a narrow 19–17 victory.

Despite the result, the Barraba boys continue to show improvement every time they take the field. With just two games remaining in the season, that progress will be imperative as they look to finish the year strongly — and is a promising sign heading into next season.

Tries

Daniel Kelly
Patrick Newton
Khadyn Mason

Conversions

Tom Croll

Points

3 – Khadyn Mason
2 – Jarrod Petrus
1 – Cody Townsend
1 – Pat Newton

Players' Player

Pat Newton

This weekend, the Rams men travel to Walcha for their second-last game of the season and their final away game, with kick-off at 3:15pm.

The Barraba women will enjoy another weekend off as they prepare for the final game of the regular season at home on 22 August.

With the season nearing its end, get behind the Rams as they look to finish 2026 on a high!