The first round of the 2025 Central North Rugby Union campaign for the Narrabri Blue Boars’ reserve grade team against the Quirindi Lions saw the final score finish 34-17 in favour of the home side.
For the Blue Boars though, the way they played provided them plenty of confidence moving forward.
In a frantic and physical opening-round contest, during which both teams sustained injuries, the Narrabri men showed strong passages of play in both attack and defence.
There were plenty of signs that the season should be productive for the Nathan Nott captain-coached outfit.
Team manager Mick Coffey was full of praise for Nott, who he said led by example.
“Nathan was exceptional for the entire game, with his ever-present efforts at the breakdown creating plenty of headaches for Quirindi, as did his reliable defence,” Coffey said.
“He even threw in a few line breaks for good measure.
“His performance earned him the players’ player award and the three best and fairest points on the day.”
The captain-coach said that while he was disappointed to lose, he was still happy with the commitment shown and that pieces of the game that contributed to the loss are all things that can be fixed at training, making bouncing back positively possible with the right attitude from the players.
He felt that the understanding of the style of play the team is chasing was demonstrated, and that there just needs to be some fine-tuning around execution to increase the successes.
A large group of Narrabri spectators who travelled to support the teams were impressed with the way the blend of youth and experience in the team gelled together instantly, with established players such as James Albert, Morgan Jones, Ed Carrigan, John Galvin, Tom Cameron and Jock Small all singled out for providing big contributions, along with young players who will form the crux of the club’s future in Angus Gourley, Rob Burke, Kyal Seymour and Nick Coffey, who brought energy and contributing strongly.
With their first home game of the competition against a Gunnedah side also looking for their first win of the season, the Blue Boars reserve grade team will need to be focused for the full 70 minutes at Dangar Park this Saturday if they are to be successful against the Red Devils.
The Blue Boars points on Saturday came from a James Albert try, which was converted by Nick Coffey who also kicked a penalty goal, and a penalty try was awarded to the Blue Boars as a result of a professional foul from Quirindi.
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