Sporting enthusiasts might have noticed the Narrabri Rugby Club has had a magnificent makeover, including a new grandstand and fence at Dangar Park.
The rugby ground’s glow up is just another reason to show up this Saturday for Old Boars Day and to cheer on the mighty Narrabri Blue Boars as they take on the Moree Bulls.
The long-standing rivalry between the two sides is always spicy but the tension will be even hotter this weekend, fuelled by the result of last year’s grand final, when the Narrabri Blue Boars first grade men’s side made a ‘never-say-die’ comeback to claim victory from behind and beat Moree 31-27.
The way the Blue Boars won the nail-biting 2024 match is now an iconic tale and one everyone in the Narrabri region loves to remember. So, let’s take a look back: “The Narrabri men were behind by one point when the bell rang, and a loud and proud home crowd watched on in nervous anticipation as their halfback Charlie Radford fed a scrum 10 out from the Moree line to kick-start the final play of the game,” wrote sports reporter Blake Jarrett in the Wee Waa News/The Courier after the match.
“He collected the ball and came charging away like a Bull out of a gate, engaging the defensive line before squaring up and passing right to his fullback Jydon Hill, who then threw it on to winger Damon Gleeson.
“Gleeson powered his way through the attempted tackle of Moree’s Tim Houston and dived into the corner, planting the ball down before another retreating defender was able to take him into touch.
“The crowd erupted as they realised what their side had just achieved and so did the Blue Boars players as they soaked in the premiership-winning feeling in front of family and friends.
“It was heartbreak for Moree who had led 27-26 when the full-time bell sounded and who had never trailed at any stage during the first minute to the 80th.”
Winning a premiership is always sweet but it was the cherry on top for the Blue Boars club as it marked 60 years in 2024.
With the Moree Bulls back in town this weekend, no doubt seeking revenge, a big crowd is expected at Dangar Park and the club’s new additions will continue to be a brilliant boost to the social side of the game. With sport considered the lifeblood of most country towns- if people aren’t playing on the field, then they’re likely barracking on the sidelines.
“We have had a couple of improvements made at Dangar Park which is exciting. Following the first Festival of Rugby, our eastern grandstands had to get pulled down to make room for the temporary stand,” said Narrabri Rugby Club president Daniel Kahl.
“So, there’s been plans in the works for a little while to get a replacement grandstand. But this summer, council tendered out the plan for a new grandstand and we had it built.”
Along with the grandstand, the club has had a boundary fence built around the lake, as well as repairs to the original fencing around the field.
“The boundary fence is a great addition since the club has lots of young families, it allows mum and dad to relax a little bit, as their little ones can play on the hill without fear of getting too close to the water,” said Daniel.
“It also helps us from an event and management perspective too. It means we can have one point of entry for everyone, which helps when we’re hosting things like the Festival of Rugby or grand finals.”
The playing surface has had an upgrade too, as council organised for the main playing surface to be sown with dry grass.
“This way it should maintain a great playing surface throughout the whole of winter and shake the frost,” said Daniel.
Another exciting and popular addition in the mix has been the introduction of Josephine’s Drinks, shaking things up at the rugby club this season.
“We’re really excited to have Josephine’s behind the bar here at the clubhouse,” said Daniel.
“G (Georgia Michell) does an amazing job with Josephine’s and will certainly bring a bit of spark to our events and home games.”
And new canteen vendor, Fiesta Fried Chicken, has been serving up some ‘finger lickin’ goodness this season, operating the canteen and making sure no one goes hungry.
“Everyone in Narrabri knows their way around a chicken and gravy roll, so having Fiesta in the kitchen is a pretty neat win too.
“Grabbing your favourite cocktail alongside a delicious, warm chicken roll. What a great collab,” added Daniel.
With a shorter season this year of only six home games, the rugby club are grateful for the ability to turn each of these games into a bit of an event.
“The Narrabri community are all about an event and supporting local businesses, so I feel like hosting each home game like this will definitely attract a crowd.”
A lot of support has gone into the new and improved Dangar Park grounds and Daniel wanted to express his gratitude for the incredible amount of community kindness.
“We’ve got a really good working relationship with council, and we are appreciative of the support we’ve received from them as a kind of partner in managing Dangar Park.”
“We’re continuing to push towards a greater development of our clubhouse. And hoping to turn the rugby grounds into one of the best sporting venues in the region,” Daniel said.
- BY GENEVIEVE MAUNDER AND ALI SMITH
