COLTS
Barker Old Boys defeated Briars
Coach: Pete Kelly

4^th GRADE
Briars drew Barker Old Boys 14-14
Coach: Damien Johnson

3^rd GRADE
Briars drew Barker Old Boys 0-0
After some shuffling of players and positions, 3rd grade started the game with a solid side and showed early on that they were the more physical side. We struggled a little at the lineout but were superior at scrum time. However, as has been the case all year, we failed to convert pressure and field position into points. The injection of Pete "Awesome" Finlay and new halfback, Mike Mahoe, created opportunities and an extra lineout option, but we were unable to capitalise against some desperate Barker defence.

The result ended up being a nil all draw after both sides missed attempts at penalty goals. The team has now dropped to 5th on the ladder and players must start deciding whether or not they are serious about playing semi-final football by turning up to training. We have yet to score a bonus point this year due to lack of cohesion and that will only be achieved with numbers at training. Depth in key positions in the club have been strengthened, so some players will have to start to really work for their spot. We have a big game this week against the competition leaders so let’s get to training!
Points: 3-Pete Finlay 2-Nick Russell 1-Tim Rolls

Coach: Reuben Sinai & Daniel Wilkinson

2^ND GRADE
Barker Old Boys defeated Briars 12-5

STORY OF THE SEASON SO FAR
After a pretty relaxed warm up, I was a little concerned that the boys weren’t switched on for game time. However Briars started enthusiastically and we found ourselves trenched in the Barker 22m. An early penalty goal was missed and that’s when things started to go bad. We failed to keep our intensity and Barker managed to force their way back into the half. With a strapping error to one of our backs, we found ourselves a man down in the defensive line and we simply didn’t react in time. Barker, through weight of numbers found a hole and posted the first points on the board. Barker’s second try was a little more controversial. The ref failed to spot a forward pass, which allowed Barker to stroll 40m to score. We did have our own chances to post points, however we were unable to capitalise on them. The half time talk was positive. We knew that if we could lift our intensity and have more control of the ball, then we were a chance of turning around the 12-0 deficit.

In the second half we dominated possession and territory but at key moments took the wrong option. To say we bombed a few tries throughout the game would be an understatement. We did manage to get one consolation try at the end of the game, we ensured some points would come our way, but it was too little too late. However, there were some positives coming out of the game. We managed to keep our opposition to nil in the second half, we finally executed a rolling mall from a line out (which we marched 30m downfield) and we believe that if we have that much possession again in one half, we will score points. Jez looked dangerous every time he got his hands on the ball, and it was good to see Fitzy and Scotty make good use of some open space when the opportunity presented itself. But there are moments that have plagued our season to date and they reared their ugly heads on the weekend. Our decision making at key moments of the game let us down, little mistakes that continue to plague our game, which in essence cost us on the weekend.

In the next game, we will look to put the wrongs right and turn our season around. Not to be the team of “almosts”, where matches get away from us, but to ensure that we start to turn those close losses into wins.

Points:
3 – Jeremy Lawlor
2 – Simon Carew
1 – Scott Burnicle
Coach: Dean Peris

1^st GRADE
Briars defeated Barker Old Boys 23-20
Briars 1st Grade are back to winning again after beating the previously un-defeated Barker Old Boys on Saturday. Defeating Barker at their home ground is no easy task and the first half found Barker pushing Briars defence to its limits. With some strong ruck defence and good ball movement Briars were able to keep Barker at arms length. Briars went into the halftime break down 15 - 3. At halftime the team worked out the plan to get back into the game.

The second half started with Briars playing smart rugby. After winning the breakdown, James Yates eventually crossed the line for a pushover try. Unfortunately, Barker showed why they were un-defeated and hit back with a nicely moved lineout to score in the corner. But Briars had had their backs to the wall against good opposition before and as in those other cases; they showed what finals contenders they are.

Briars scored with a great length of the field try to their 'X' factor and then put on another great try to take the score to 20 - 20 with only 10 minutes to go. Briars and Barker hit it out non stop for the rest of the game until Briars received a penalty which was in position for our goal kicker James Ronsisvalle to put Briars in front for the first, but most important time of the day, as the referee blew his final whistle.
Coach: Mark Gudmunson