The Glen Innes Elks began their New England Rugby Union season in formidable fashion at home on Saturday.
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While there was only one grade - thirds - played at Elk park, the hosts got the job done with a thrashing of the Barbarians 54-5. Club president Ben Emery said the outside backs dominated.
"It was really good day for us. We were able to try a few new things, roll in some new guys and try some combinations out. Some blokes really, really stepped up," he said.
"We had a really good run out there so we are looking forward to this weekend with two teams out on the park to really go and give the boys a bit of a challenge."
Onlookers commented on the improvement in the way the Elks played and Emery agreed.
"We played a really good style of rugby," he said.
"There are a few things we are going to go back and work on - general communication and overall formation work. There's still a lot we can take away and, despite the scoreline, there's a level and standard we want to set this year and there's a lot more to work on."
Off-the-field, the Elks have been making changes as well.
"There's a lot of positives coming out of the weekend; we are rolling a few of the new clubhouse changes and a few of the team changes out," Emery said.
"The clubhouse looked awesome. A lot of people put a lot of effort in to try and improve the overall look of the club and we had a great weekend and celebrated accordingly."
This Saturday, both the second and third grade teams will head to Armidale to face Robb College.
Emery said there will be players backing up in both grades and they will have to be at their best to topple the fast-finishing students.
"They [Robb] are always fairly fit and fairly good out wide," he said.
"They generally don't have too much size to them but they will be a bit of a test.
"I think we are more than up to the challenge. We have got some new guys, who haven't had a run yet, coming along this weekend as well so it will be good to get them out there and freshen a few blokes up."