SEASON HEATS UP: Blue Boars off to Inverell as CNRU finals push resumes

Narrabri Rugby Club’s first grade side sat out with its final bye of the regular season on Saturday during round 15 of the 2023 Central North Rugby Union campaign, and now all eyes are on this Saturday’s road trip to Inverell.

The Blue Boars are currently ranked fifth on the ladder with three rounds to go, with the highest they can finish being fourth as the three top-ranked sides are all too far out in front.

The defending champs are well and truly in a fight for the fourth spot as a three-way battle between the Quirindi Lions, Narrabri and the Walcha Rams is unfolding.

The Lions beat the Rams 41-29 in Walcha on Saturday to remain in the top four, which allowed Narrabri to leapfrog Walcha into fifth.

Quirindi still has one bye remaining and is at home to the last-placed side, Scone Brumbies, this Saturday, which means that Narrabri is more than likely going to have to win all three of its games during the run home to get the chance to defend its title in this year’s finals series.

Player-coach Jake Packer and his team are well aware of the challenge that awaits them this weekend, as the Highlanders are traditionally a tough team to beat at home.

They beat second-placed Tamworth Pirates 43-41 in round 14, and earlier this year lost by just one point against Gunnedah and three points against Walcha on home soil.

The Inverell men are coming off a 60-13 loss away from home against Gunnedah in round 15 and are keen to bounce back against Narrabri.

Saturday’s game will also see the Blue Boars defend the Kookaburra Challenge Cup for the fourth time in 2023 after they won it off Walcha in round 11.

Narrabri’s two games before the bye were draws against Moree and Walcha, and Packer has challenged the Blue Boars to start putting games away during the run home.

Walcha has a bye this Saturday and so does Moree following its 31-17 away win against Scone last Saturday.

Meanwhile, Narrabri is still third on the second grade ladder and second in the women’s tens comp following the round 15 fixtures.

The Blue Boars won 24-15 in second grade against Barraba Rams during the only contest that went ahead at Dangar Park after the Rams forfeited the women’s match.

Narrabri is only three points behind second-placed Moree in the second grade competition, and with the Bulls guaranteed five points this Saturday as they sit out with a bye, the away trip to Inverell is a must-win match for the Blue Boars’ top-two hopes.

Narrabri has the chance to go top of the table in the women’s comp this Saturday. It is three points behind the top-ranked Gunnedah team, which plays against third-placed Pirates in round 16.