THEY were defeated, but far from down when the Highlanders copped a bit of a punishment at Narrabri on the weekend. Coach Scott Bremner said the 26-16 loss to the polished Blue Boars was confidence boosting.
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“Narrabri’s probably the most formed team in the competition at the moment,” he said
Inverell kept it tight in the first half, but after the break, the Boars’ bulk won the day.
“In the end of it, they just wore us down, every one of their forward pack was probably 15 kilos heavier than our fellows. They’re just huge, and they just wear you down.
“Yeah, but I was very proud of our effort, the boys played very well.”
Bremner said the score line didn’t reflect the quality of play on the paddock.
“It was a lot closer than that.”
The Highlanders reserve grade carved out five points in the end, but felt the pain from the Blue Boars wall that drove home with 55.
“Narrabri second grade gave our fellow a bit of a hiding, but the Narrabri second grade is actually bigger than the Narrabri first grade.”
Bremner felt the team took some good value on board from the road trip.
“Definitely, some self-confidence. Most of our players are very young this year and we’re in a bit of a rebuilding phase. And they’re just learning what it takes to be competitive in these games and just how tough it actually is.”
Standouts included Tala Vea with three points playing at number eight.
“He’s our war horse, everyone knows him, He had a great game,” Bremner said.
“Two points went to Naki Pakanali-he got two points. He was playing breakaway and had a great game around the field. And I gave one point to the rest of the team, you know, they shared the point out of our three, two and one, because I thought everyone’s effort was excellent.”
Bremner said the young team is focussing hard on some essentials.
“Basically patience and realising you don’t score off first phase or second phase-you’ve got to build pressure. Defensively, just getting off the line and meeting them on their side of the advantage line in defense rather than letting them come to us.
“And just the basics of grinding out a win, and we’re getting closer. You know, that’s the best game we played all year in first grade.”
Top team Pirates will travel from Tamworth next weekend to lock horns with the three grades of the Highlanders. Bremner said it would be stiff competition.
“It doesn’t any easier. They just knocked off the premiers, Moree, on the weekend, so it will be a tough one.”
