Narrabri Blue Boars score second grade victory against Moree Bulls in the local derby

Narrabri Blue Boars cemented their spot in the top four of Central North Rugby Union’s 2023 second grade competition when they knocked over local rivals Moree on Saturday.

The Bulls had only lost two games all year heading into the Dangar Park clash, but they were no match for Narrabri as the hosts won 29-14.

The Blue Boars landed the first punch when Jock Small scored a try in the 19th minute. Toby Keys converted it to make the score 7-0.

A Djordjije Cikota 26th-minute try followed by a Ben Legg conversion saw the Bulls level it up a 7-all, but Waldo Botha restored Narrabri’s lead with a 31st-minute try and the hosts went into the break ahead 12-7.

The home side stretched their lead out to 19-7 in the 40th minute of the 70-minute game when Michael Cain converted a Jimmy Schwager try, and Cain kicked his side out to an even bigger advantage in the 46th minute when a penalty goal made the score 22-7.

Moree refused to go down without a fight and they hit back in style with a converted try in the 55th minute as Will Burey crossed the stripe and Legg kicked the conversion as the scoreboard read 22-14 with just 15 minutes remaining.

Narrabri earned the bonus point as Botha dived over for his second try and his side’s fourth of the game in the 64th minute before Cain added the extras, and 29-14 was the way the score remained at full-time.

It was a win that saw third-placed Narrabri move within two points of the second-placed Bulls on the CNRU competition ladder as the Blue Boars rose to 49 and Moree remained on 51.

Top-ranked side Tamworth earned a hard-fought 7-5 win over the fourth-placed team, Barraba, which saw the Pirates (61) go 10 points clear of the Bulls at the top and Barraba (40) fall nine points behind Narrabri.

The other round 13 results saw Gunnedah Red Devils outscore the Quirindi Lions 45-12 and the Walcha Rams receive a 28-0 forfeit victory against the Scone Brumbies.

Inverell Highlanders picked up the automatic five points as they had the bye.

The Blue Boars have now won four games in a row and they can extend that streak to five this Saturday if they defeat Quirindi away from home in round 14.

The second grade game was one of three that was contested at Dangar Park on Saturday as the Blue Boars went through the day undefeated.

The hosts kicked off proceedings with an 85-5 victory in the women’s tens game and then the two clubs drew 25-all in the first grade contest, which was played after second grade. More to come on those games soon.

The day also saw former Blue Boars premiership players gather at Dangar Park for a reunion, while the club also hosted a sponsors day.

President Mick Coffey was proud of his club for its efforts both on and off the field and told The Courier that it was an enjoyable day.