While the team has clawed its way back to the top of the ladder with a comfortable 14-nill win over the Barbarians, the loss of the headliner player called among other injuries called a halt to the match 15 minutes prior to fulltime.

Nonetheless, leading backline player Jay Hampson performed well throughout the match, breaking through to score under the posts on one occasion, while Lachie Stewart put up a powerful defence to keep the Baa Baas under pressure.

Met with hard determination, the Barbarians proved strong at the set piece, with the Elks struggling to gain possession and build any pressure before half time.

Coming out for the second half, the local squad secured a second try, a long range effort started off by a quality lineout steal from Tom Benton while quick hands from the backs saw Todd Burgess streak away to run 50 meters and score.

While the backline continued to create opportunities for the local side, but were ultimately unable to capitalise, Benton and Stewart put in a standout performance against an equally-matched forward pack.

As a result of the Armidale Blues taking a bye on Saturday, July 26, the Elks have secured a leading position at the top of the second grade ladder, with final standings expected to be determined when the Elks clash with the Blues on Saturday, August 9.

Capping an excellent performance on the field, Hampson was named player’s player, also securing three points for the match, with two points going to Cameron Amos and one point to Tom Benton.

Hoping to hold their leading position this weekend, the Elks will travel to Guyra on Saturday to take on the Ghosts as the grade moves into finals in September.