Waimea Combined Barbarians have kept their unbeaten record intact with a big win as the race for the championship title heats up.
The 17-3 win over Mid Canterbury Combined was the cherry on the cake for captain Harry Horncastle.
With both teams towards the top of the table, with three teams still on unbeaten records after four rounds of action, the result may have big implications at the business end of the season.
“We looked at this game as a pivotal point of our season,” says Harry.
“A pivotal game to win to cement us in the top four.
“Last year they won, by quite a lot. . . and we wanted a bit of revenge.”
With Mid Canterbury the defending champions, keeping them from crossing their try line was a big accomplishment for the amalgamated squad that is showing strong signs of unity.
Harry says the team have been doing well this season, with the team keeping their heads despite being starved of the ball for large periods of the second half.
With a tenuous 7-3 lead at the break, Mid Canterbury’s superior kicking game was keeping them in the game.
Overnight rain made for slick and slippery conditions and a low-scoring arm wrestle of a game.
But the Barbarians were consistently the ones creating chances while Mid Canterbury could never settle their attack.
“We had great defence,” says Harry.
“It’s our goal every time to keep them scoreless. For our coach Shayne Huhu, the biggest thing is our defence.”
With the game the team’s first on Waimea College’s front field this season, Harry also wanted to thank the team’s supporters who came out to get behind the team.
Waimea Combined Barbarians 17 (Cameron McLean, Harrison Carmichael 2 tries; Connor Simkin conversion).
Mid Canterbury Combined 3 (Elliott Ward penalty).
