After going down to the Baa Baa’s in the first round 80 plus nil, the Elks focused on playing full phases and not giving an inch in defence.

Elks Spokesman Jim Ritchie said the team looked in good touch and were out to reverse the early season result.

“The Elks hit the ground running from the first second of the game,” he said.

“Through some excellent rucking work and determined defence from the Elks forwards, the ball got out the back line where Jayden Eshman opened up the defence before delivering a perfect ball to Nick Say who scored in the seventh minute. 

“Cameron Amos was successful with the conversion and soon afterwards, the forwards drove hard into the Baa Baa’s and Chris Pedlow crossed the line under the posts taking the score to 14 nil.”

Mr Ritchie said the Elks kept the Barbarians scoreless for the first 14 minutes of the match before they scored a try out wide which was converted to take the score to 14 to seven.

“The Elks hit back though with Jayden Eshman making it look easy when he ran through the Baa Baa’s defence like a hot knife through butter to score a try which was converted by Amos,” he said. 

“The Baa Baa’s crossed for their second converted try in the 34th minute and Cameron Amos slotted a penalty goal just on half time to take the score to 24-14 in favour of the Elks.

“The second half saw more determination from the Baa Baa’s who must have copped an almighty serve during the half time break.

“The Barbarians crossed the line for a converted try in the eighth minute and again for a push over try which was not converted in the 15th minute plus a penalty goal in the 28th minute taking the score to 29-24 in favour of the Baa Baa’s.”

Ritchie said the Elks could have created an upset in the Zone by defeating one of the top first grade sides and their supporters were happy with how they played on the day.

“If the team stay together the Elks will get the results,” he said.

“It was a great game of Rugby and the club would like to thank all who came to support the Elks.

“Our loyal supporters will see a win soon I am sure.”