PHOTO: ODT FILES Woodlands put an end to the Eastern Northern Barbarians’ unbeaten run when they won 31-27 on Saturday. Woodlands and the Barbarians scored five tries each in the round eight match at the Gore Showgrounds but the locals could only land one conversion, whereas Woodlands converted three. In calm playing conditions, Woodlands showed plenty of courage while earning the victory. ‘‘We only had 19 players to call on but all 19 of them contributed to a massive team effort — everyone fronted,’’ Woodlands coach Barry Smith said. Smith credited the win to the players’ effort and the work of former longtime coach and mentor Damian Pine. ‘‘Damian has been doing a bit with the team around mental skills and I reckon the boys called on that knowledge on Saturday and it paid off.’’ It was the Barbarians’ sponsors and women’s day at the showgrounds but the extra crowd could not quite help their team to victory. The Barbarians were hard on attack in the closing stages and had Woodlands under severe pressure but Woodlands were able to win a turnover penalty and get clear of danger. Loose forward Sam Fischli was on debut for the Barbarians after moving south from Taieri. Unfortunately, the Stags squad member left the field with a broken collarbone. Star slipped past Invercargill Blues 32-29 at Appleby. Blues had earned their first win of the season last weekend and almost made it two in a row. Both teams scored five tries and two conversions, but Star first five Josh Jennings also landed a difficult penalty goal in the last minute of the game. Blues had nine of their 10 living life members in attendance on Saturday, including Owen Todd, who is turning 100 next month. Star coach Brayden Mitchell said his team were lucky to escape from the game with five competition points. ‘‘I don’t think we deserved to win,’’ Mitchell said. ‘‘Full credit to Blues — they played well. After losing by 100 points last month to the way they’ve played in the time since shows that there is a bit about them.’’ Josh Jennings was one of the best for Star on Saturday, and teenaged winger Kasseus Henry has played very well in recent weeks. Pirates Old Boys made hard work of their game against Marist at Surrey Park before winning 19-10. POB outscored Marist three tries to two and first five Greg Dyer converted two of the tries. POB’s first try was scored by hooker Alex Fraito from a typical rolling maul from a lineout close to the line. Marist scored after 20 minutes and the score remained 5-5 at halftime. Early in the second half, POB prop JJ Fisher barged over from the back of a ruck close to the line. Winger Tevita Chute scored the locals’ third try out wide and Marist scored with 20 minutes to go. — John Langford
