It was a weekend with a lot of hype.
A double header in Croydon on Saturday with the Barbs taking on the new Predators outfit coached by Mark Levin and the Warriors facing their old rivals the Croydon Rangers.
First up were the Barbarians in what was labelled as a “grudge match” be the South Eastern Predators. For the Barbarians, it was just another match against a team they have never faced before, no grudges held.
The first half saw an offensive struggle as both teams struggled to move the ball offensively.
It was a day where the Defense stood up and took control of the game.
FS Callum Marini was able to bring in 2 Interceptions and recover a fumble for the defense and the Offense were able to finally run on the Predators and get out to a 6-0 lead early in the 3rd. RB James Pho with another rushing TD for the season.
Barbarians QB Andrew Nixon struggled a little bit with passes just off the mark as he arrived to the game directly from the Airport after travelling back from Vietnam earlier that morning.
The Defense were able to hold off the Predators who gained some confidence in the final quarter and were able to run in for a touchdown with just under 2 minutes remaining in the game. LB Nick Murray was able to block the point after attempt and the scores remained tied at 6-6.
Barbarians OT Andrew Sher was voted as the player of the match by GVTV.

The Warriors were up next and it was a familiar face returning to Croydon when Barbarians new recruit RT Grantlee O’Sullivan was asked to step up and help out a Warriors team short on Offensive Linemen.
The Warriors started the game off well with a long passing touchdown by QB Heath Decker to WR Emanuelle Giannetta.
The Warriors Defense without their leader Ben Stokes struggled early on without being able to put much pressure on the Croydon quarterback. As the game grew, so did the confidence and the play of the Warriors Defense as they were able to gain sacks and also produce an impressive defensive stand in the 4th quarter with the Rangers 1st and Goal from 5yards out.
The defense were able to shut out the Rangers as a fumbled punt attempts saw the Rangers pounce on the ball and roll into the endzone for their only score for the day.
A great day was also had by the running backs as RB Luke Jackson ran by defenders all day and even had a score of his own.
Final score was 20-6. LB Kevin Reed was voted man of the match honours by GVTV.

Next weekend will see the Barbarians take on conference rivals the Western Crusaders in Corio on Saturday from 10;30AM whilst the Warriors take on the winless Melbourne Uni Royals from 1PM in Parkville.