The Highlanders were a real presence at the Armidale Seven-A-Side rugby tournament last Saturday. Inverell teams were fielded in both the Men's and Women's draw with both sides undefeated through the rounds and knockout finals to vie for the top prize.
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The Highlander Women were dominant in their early rounds with strong wins against the University of Southern Queensland (USQ), a decimation of Armidale and a close run 7 points to 5 defeat of Coffs Harbour.
The final between Inverell and USQ was one for the ages as the teams went try for try in a see-sawing struggle.
With the score 17 to 19 in USQ's favour, the last play of the tournament saw a Highlander fly out of the defensive line, take an intercept and score - only for the ref to disallow the try for off side play.
"We was robbed" claimed coach Dale Beattie, "but USQ were deserving winners and our team played some great rugby. We have had a fun day and are setting up for a great season".
Lauren Nott consolidated a strong finish to last season by being the Highlander player of the day, consistently bending the defensive line with the ball in hand and organising in defence.
Nott was well supported by team leaders Monique McCoy and Gaby Watkins who had a big influence on the team all day.
As always the Crisp twins were difficult to tell apart, but their impact on the game was easy to identify. The returning Pip McNeil added starch in defense and attack.
The ladies will be playing again this weekend in a season opening gala day in Barraba starting at 10.30am. If any players are interested they can contact the club or even better, get to training at Inverell Rugby Park, 6.30pm Tuesday and Thursday.
The men's team have also welcomed some new players to add some real depth and top end impact to the squad.
Warialdarians Casey Bowman and "Sonic" Layton had their first hit out with the squad, 2 for 1 deal the Cosgrove twins, and "Gorgeous" George Murray all bought in to the team culture and made brilliant individual contributions.
The Highlanders came out firing with a convincing win over CNRU defectors, the Tamworth Magpies. Close victories against Albies college and Armidale 1 led to a showdown with Narwan in the semi final.
Played in searing heat with an AC/DC soundtrack the Inverell team were set the challenge of restricting the free flowing Narwan.
Playing a bit more rugby was the plan which restricted Narwon's ball and allowed Scott Houston and Dylan Lewis to link with their patented cross field kick to the open winger - spectacular!
At full time the scores were locked at 12 all with calls for overtime and "golden point", but the tournament rules state that first scorer in a drawn final wins.
An early five pointer set up by Ryan Smith put Inverell through. In the game of the day the Highlanders clashed with old foe the Walcha Rams.
Led by Paddy Keen (on St Paddy's day) the Rams had been dominant all day. Defensive pressure from the Highlanders line speed, accurate tackling and breakdown hustle gave Hunter Barnett the chance to create space in the attacking quarter. Barnett's strength and deceptive speed led to a one try half time lead to Inverell.
The second half was punctuated by two tries to Walcha as tired legs were tested and one try to Inverell. The dying stages were frantic as Highlanders scrambled to make up the points.
The scramble led to mistakes and the opportunity was lost. The squad showed great spirit in supporting all the teams from the sideline and being tough and fair on the pitch.
The first opportunity for the Highlanders to test themselves in a 15 man game is a twilight fixture this Saturday (March 24th) at Inverell Rugby Park.
Kicking off at 5pm the visiting Port Macquarie Pirates (Mid North Coast 2017 Premiers) will have to adjust to playing at altitude to compete with the Highland men. Bar, BBQ and entertainment will be on at the clubhouse during and after the game.
rossfuller@live.com.au
