The Glen Innes Elks missed out on a victory in their last start against second-placed St Albert’s College.
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Taking just 15 players to Armidale on Saturday, the Elks matched it with Albies early on before ill-discipline hampered their second-half.
While on the sidelines through a long injury layoff, Henry Burridge has been helping coach the team and said silly penalties and errors proved costly against the students.
“Just a lot of infringements, the boys were being a bit slack, offside a lot and gave away some really silly penalties,” Burridge said.
“They probably got two tries on the back of that sort of stuff.
“In saying that, it was a pretty good game.”
Burridge highlighted the performance of half Lachlan Thomas in the 34-14 loss.
“His rush defence and he threw a really good dummy to score, it was a really good try,” he said.
“Dan Kilner, he filled in at nine and did really well – just safe all day.
“Michael Miller at fullback was excellent, just in cover defence, he communicates well at the back.
“The winger Bryce Burey did well, made some rpetty good tackles as well.
“John Dowling was really good in defence in the front row except he got a yellow card with five to 10 minutes to go but he was very strong in the game.”
Despite the Elks sitting at the bottom of table, Burridge said it is positive to see the players turning out and “having a go.”
The Elks take on Armidale Blues at Elk Park this Saturday in the their final home game of the season.
The Elks rolled the Blues when they last met and are expecting their Armidale opponents to be out to extract revenge in Saturday’s encounter.
“The performance we had last time, we won that game but it would be hard to replicate that,” Burridge said.
“Hopefully because it is a home game we can get a few there and it can make a bit of a difference.
“It should be a good day, we always enjoy playing Armidale, they are really good sports.”
The Elks are hoping for a huge crowd to support them and help them come away with victory. Gates open 1pm with kick off at 2.15pm. Bar and BBQ will be in operation.