Boggabri’s 16-point, seven try to four, win over reigning premiers North Tamworth at Boggabri on Sunday has the Kangaroos within a point of second spot on the Whitehaven Coal Group 4 first grade premiership table.

The Shane Rampling-coached Roos won 40-24 at Jubilee Oval on Sunday and now places them equal fourth with Werris Creek but more importantly, just a point behind equal second-placed Kootingal and North Tamworth with 14 points.

Unbeaten Moree lead the way on 20 with Kootingal and Norths on 15 while Boggabri and Werris Creek lurk just a point behind in equal fourth on 14 points.

WHITEHAVEN COAL GROUP 4 FIRST GRADE TABLE (For and against in brackets): Moree 20 (410-144), Kootingal 15 (308-164), North Tamworth 15 (276-152),
Boggabri 14 (312-199), Werris Creek 14 (296-200), Dungowan 8 (227-250), Gunnedah 5 (174-272), Narrabri 4 (162-422), Wee Waa 3 (16-378).

The Roos roared up the table with their brutal belting of the Bears, transforming a 24-12 halftime lead into the 40-24 success.

“We played pretty well,” a delighted Shane Rampling told G4 Media.

“Still made some errors but they played for each other. Got a real good start. Got out of the blocks quick.”

North Tamworth coach Paul Boyce said his side had no answer to the Roos who he thought “they wanted to win more”.

“They were very physical but it didn’t help we lost our 1, 6, 9 and 11 in the first half to injury and had no bench in the second half.

“I thought we were still in with a chance but a few things didn’t go our way.”

Boyce said Boggabri “were the better side”.

“We didn’t up with the right attitude in the first half,” he said of a poor start.

“They kicked off and we let the ball roll out (into touch).”

He now hopes the injuries to key players such as fullback Lynken Dickson (knee) are not serious with a trip to Moree this Saturday looming.

For Boggabri coach Shane Rampling the victory was great in respect of the G4 table but “especially as it was our sponsors’ day”.

“Our reserve grade gave us a great start too (24-22 win) and got the home crowd geed up,” he said of the second grade success.

“It was a result we badly needed. Needed to get a get a game put together.

“We got away what we were doing right in the first half a little bit in the second half but finished strong.

“I was just really happy with the effort but we have a lot of work still to do.”

He said winger Pita Rogasau was the Roos player’s player award winner.

“Nic Millar was as solid as ever too,” he said.

“Never has a bad game and had another big game.

“I thought Isaiah Adams had his best game for us too. He was really elusive and combined well with Andrew Wallace (in the halves).

“Ash White’s kicking was great too, only missed one goal. But all in all it was a team effort. They played for each other.

“It was a massive win for us (regards to the table) knowing Kootingal and the Creek won.

“We now have to regroup for the Gunnedah game. They won’t be easy and we will have to be ready for them,” he said of this Saturday’s local derby at Jubilee Oval against a side that threatened to beat Werris Creek at the Creek on Sunday.

First grade: BOGGABRI 40 (Iliasa Kalkalodrau, Pita Rogasau, Andrew Wallace, Josefa Goanduadua, Isaiah Adams, Malakai Kovekalou, Matt Avendano tries, Ash White 6gls) d NORTH TAMWORTH 24 (Mitch Sheridan, Ryley Mackay, Jack Patterson, Damian Scott tries, Sheridan 4gls).

Second grade: BOGGABRI 28 (Thomas Bruce, Kolinio Nakarawa, Jayden Campbell, Lepani Banvue, Karl Wilson tries, Campbell 4gls) d NORTH TAMWORTH 24 (Scott Berry, Ethan Pallott, Shaquille Ervine, Fletcher Wells tries, Luke Fisher 4gls).

Ladies league tag: NORTH TAMWORTH 38 (Sarah Gill 3, Stephanie Elliott, Jane Hill, Claudia Kenniff, Mikayla Gross tries, Amy Barraclough 5gls) d BOGGABRI 4 (Bianca Pye try).

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