The Glen Innes Elks were drawn to play Guyra at Guyra on Saturday, however once again the Guyra boys had to award the points to Glen Innes as they simply don’t have the numbers for a reserve grade side, but the technical forfeit did not stop the teams getting together for a solid and entertaining match.
It may have been the biting cold breeze that kept a few away but the Elks took the field with 14 men - fortunately they are men with big hearts, none bigger than Nathan Purvis who led the side with a storming performance. His elusive runs off the outside shoulder of Joe Tonkin had the selectors musing about the possibility of him moving to the backline, however a pre-requisite for being a back is having some brains as well as good looks so he may continue to play with the ugly blokes in the forward pack.
With the advantage of an extra player the Guyra team managed to score three tries in the first half however the Elks were committed in defence, the breaks coming from overlaps rather than missed tackles. Ashley Whitehead certainly hit hard in tackles, occasionally needing medical attention to continue, spectator Dr Ross Haron being amazed at the effectiveness of ‘magic water’ as it cured all ailments very rapidly. He suggested that Richard Salmon try some in order to be available for next weekend’s clash against Robb in Glen Innes.
It was Simon Haron who posted Glen’s first try, as Stuart ‘Hally’s mate’ McClintock picked up from the base of the scrum and went to the blind side linking with halfback Haron who showed some classy speed and swerve to score in the corner. Captain Sam Baker chose McClintock to attempt the conversion, which was unsuccessful, the score at the break Guyra leading 19 to 5.
Baker addressed the team and once again inspired all and sundry to greater efforts. Tonkin’s older brother took the field at half time to give the Elks the full compliment of players which seemed to turn the match. The Elks began to make breaks everywhere led by Nathan Purvis with his agile step and Ben Sharp hitting the ball at pace, McClintock as usual excited the crowd with the ball in his hand.
It wasn’t long before Tonkin took the line on from only 15 metres out, evading his opposite man and scoring under the posts. Captain Baker selected a new kicker in Ashley Whitehead, again the attempt was unsuccessful, 19 to 10. The Elks used the ball and the breeze to stay in Guyra’s half for long periods however one clearing kick from Tonkin was charged down (then knocked on) resulting in a opportunistic try for Guyra which they converted to go ahead 26 to 10.
The Elks applied continuous pressure and a flying Matt Webster burst onto the ball at great speed only metres out to crash over next to the posts for another fine try. This time Baker chose youngster Simon Haron to kick the conversion from in front, only to miss dismally, 26 to 15. The Elks were finishing very strongly and managed to score a fourth try through some great team work finished off by Stuart ‘Hallys mate’ McClintock, once again the conversion was a dismal failure.
The conversions were all ordinary, that said, the Elks managed to score four tries to Guyra’s five and if Captain Baker could find a kicker it could have been much closer. Apparently he has been secretly practicing his goal kicking and is threatening to appoint himself next time there is a shot at goal.
If you would like to see that, (it could be funny,) then you must come to Glen Innes Rugby Park to watch the last home game of the season this weekend against Robb College. The game will kick off at 3pm and everyone is welcome, if you have brother with a pair of boots bring them along. As always there will be plenty of entertainment, full bar and barbecue facilities, a bunch of lovely people and a Glen Innes team enjoying playing the game they play in heaven.