The Narwan Eels and Armidale Rams might be out of contention for a berth in the Group 19 A grade semi-finals but will be fighting for local pride when they hit the field this Saturday.
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Signs were positive for the Rams in their last-start against Moree Boars and while they may have been on the wrong end of the 48-34 scoreline, coach Steve Ware hailed it is one of the best performances of the year.
“We played well on the weekend against the Boars, it was a commited effort by the boys and if we can get numbers at training we will be right,” he said.
“They were down a few players but we were able to score points against them as well which was pleasing as a coach.
“It was probably the best half of footy we have played all year, against the Boars, and they are a top four side.”
Narwan didn’t make it on the field in round 11 with their fixture against Tingha washed out.
Eels president Jay Roberts said the A grade side is raring to go but are wary of the Rams off the back of their performance against Moree.
“We always turn up when it is against the Rams, we love the cross-town battle,” he said.
“The Rams are coming off a strong performance against the Moree Boars, I heard they were a chance of winning so if the boys don't turn up the Rams will shock them.
“They have Scott McIntyre back so he is a big plus for them but they still have players like Laurie Craig, Mike Ware, the captain-coach Steve Ware, they are dangerous footballers. You have to be on your game if you want to beat them.”
In the reserve grade, Armidale forfeited against the Boars while Narwan’s most recent fixture against the Moree side in round 11 resulted in a 34-6 win.
In the league tag, Armidale need to win to stay within reach of the semi-finals after being downed by Moree 30-12 last weekend. Narwan are out of the finals race but are still aiming to be competitive every outing.
“Our girls will still turn up. Now they can't make semis they are using it to stay fit and healthy,” Roberts said.