On the back of outstanding work from the forward pack, the Magpies’ speedy backs ran riot, posting eleven of the thirteen tries as Glen hit back at Rams’ suggestions that they weren’t in the top three teams in the group.

Glen led 32 - 4 at half time and kept up a scoring rate that matched the clock throughout the second half.

Aaron Jones got four tries and should have had a fifth but put his foot on the deadball line before touching down. He opened the scoring in the fourth minute when he was in position to grab a bounce that proved elusive for the Rams’ defenders. He added three more four pointers during the second half, crossing in the 54th, 62nd and 72nd minutes with the mix of strength, pace and footwork that makes him one of the most dangerous players in the group.

Nick Ehsman celebrated his seventeenth birthday by replacing injured winger Will Newberry in the run-on side and grabbed a hat-trick with good support play. He played strongly throughout and looks right at home in the top grade.

Joel Jackson, the other seventeen year old in the side, also grabbed a hat-trick in the centres for injured Daniel Ferris and was a thorn in Armidale’s side every time he got the ball. He also made plenty of tackles in a great all-round effort.

Lock forward Jamie Watts scored two fine tries and was, as usual, one of the best defenders on show. Big Dave Stanfield continued his great ‘08 form despite being the target of some fierce Rams’ defence while Shad Bailey played strongly and kicked 11 from 13 attempts, including several great conversions from wide out.

Sam Key (one try) and Jason Ferris were heavily involved for the full eighty minutes. Their experience is invaluable to this young side which has only two players older than Bailey’s 27. Ferris and Key both made nice breaks and set up play with style and precision.

Tim Every, Jake Chard and Mitch Berridge all worked hard in the rucks while fullback Mark Muggleton had another good game and James Sheridan was playing with confidence before a mouth injury forced him from the field.

Glen is four points clear of Tingha and Uralla on the points table and has two games remaining. They take on Guyra away the Sunday and Tingha at home the following Sunday while Tingha and Uralla each have only one game to play.