The Wauchope Thunder and the Port Pirates held each other scoreless due to a strong defensive effort from both teams.

An entertaining afternoon of rugby was put on for a surprisingly large crowd given the wet and windy conditions.

The Barraba Rams were also involved in the three-way trial which tested the ball handling skills of all teams in the slippery conditions.

Barraba and Pirates took to the field for the first 30-minute trial and the Rams took the honours 7-5 in a tight contest.

The home-side then ran out for their first match-up against the Pirates. The game was predominantly played in the forwards and the Thunder boys stood shoulder to shoulder to deny their more fancied opponents any scoring opportunities.

The Thunder's defensive effort was maintained for the first half of their next match against the Barraba boys. But fatigue began to set in and the Rams ran away with the game 22-0.

Showing plenty of grit Barraba then fronted up for a second hit-out against the Pirates after being challenged by Port coach Nigel Hurlston, who was smarting from his team's first loss of the year.

But he was to be denied again, with Barraba winning the final match of the day 5-0. They were assisted by several Thunder players after the Ram's lean squad of 15 men was depleted due to injury.

Thunder coach, Marc Minor, said the team's defensive effort was a marked improvement on the previous week when the Hastings Valley Vikings tore through the Thunder's line.

"We stood up when it counted today and I am very proud of all the boys. It was a great team effort to keep the Pirates out and while the conditions were not conducive to running rugby, we muscled up in defence which is very pleasing."

The young Thunder players in particular showed plenty of character with JJ Hennessy pulling off some bone rattling tackles and the Cunningham twins, Brad and Brendan, getting through a mountain of work in their first run for the team.

Front rowers Tom Blanch and Nick Minor made plenty of yards up the middle and big locks James Stribling and Marcus Alwan were menacing in defence.

There were also several players making their rugby debut with Josh and Luke Guthrie showing plenty of promise and Matt Attard throwing himself into fray with no fear.

Aaron Hamilton continues to improve with every run and Ben Cooper showed plenty of passion both on and off the field.

The Thunder now have two weeks to prepare for their first competition match against the defending premiers, Forster, at Andrews Park on March 11.