Thor Crombie revelled in his switch from the backs to the forwards as Walcha snapped a three game losing run against Scone on Saturday.
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More noted as a half-back and sometime five-eighth, Crombie was a standout at openside breakaway in the Rams’ 43-22 triumph.
“With Will Fletcher injured and Nat Brazel out we were short in the forwards,” number eight Henry King said.
Spoilt for half-backs, Crombie was thrust into the pack and acquitted himself well.
He was very good on the ball and very good in defence, King said, his efforts earning him the three points.
It was a much-needed win for the Rams, who have struggled to reproduce the form they showed in making last years grand final.
Part of that has been injuries and unavailability, and part realising, and adjusting to life as one of the sides teams lift to play in the hope of knocking them off.
Not that they have been far off the pace.
“They were all games we felt we should and could have won,” King said.
Recognising that they needed to pick up their attitude they started strongly, scoring 29 points in the first half and holding the Brumbies out until the 39th minute to lead by 19 at the break.
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“We faltered a bit through the middle of the game but we picked it up again towards the end,” King said.
Customarily it is the Rams backs that grab the scoring limelight, and while winger Dom Bower did cross for a double, the honours were shared on Saturday.
It was good reward for the forwards who have been playing well all season, King said. With the disruptions in the backs they have really needed to lift.
“Our set piece has been strong and was again yesterday,” King said.
“And overall our defence has been good.”
“We’ve just been lapsing a bit. We need to put that 80 minute defensive effort together.”
Simon Newton picked up the two points, King noting that his kicking game was very good, and half-back Harry Locke the one.
Gunnedah meanwhile leapfrogged Barraba into third with a 14-12 win at Barraba. As the scoreline suggests it was a tight tussle, Brad Swain’s second half conversion proving the difference after scores were locked at 7-all at half-time.
Narrabri remain just outside the four on bonus points after joining the Red Devils and Rams on 28 points with a 48-5 victory over Quirindi.
Outside centre Jacob Booby and winger Will Morley pursed doubles as the Blue Boars converted a 24 point half-time lead into a 43 point rout.
