Blue Boars on rise

NARRABRI Rugby Club has made the move to second place on the first grade ladder following a try frenzy in Gunnedah on Saturday.

The Blue Boars kept the hosts scoreless and crossed for nine tries, seven of which were successfully converted.

It was another big blue rinse, with the Blue Boars claiming wins across the three grades.

The women’s 10s continued their red-hot form with a 57-0 triumph.

In second grade, the Blue Boars prevailed 24-14.

The first grade men rounded out what was a massive triumph for the Blue Boars, winning 59-0.

First grade coach Craig Gleeson said the scoreboard didn’t reflect the physicality of the battle with the Red Devils early on.

“I think we hung in there really well at the start and got into the grind … and then the game started to open up a bit for us,” Gleeson said.

“We probably didn’t take a lot of our opportunities early. We probably dropped a little bit of ball when we had our chances, but, the boys were really consistent about defence.

“That gave us opportunities in attack and eventually we started capitalising on those.”

Joe Baker was in spectacular form and added to the Blue Boars’ try haul.

“I don’t think he got tackled first contact at all on Saturday. He was very elusive and made ground whenever he touched the football,” Gleeson said.

Forwards Jack Maunder, Charlie Turner and Will Turner were also standout performers.

“They ran the ball well all day and did a lot of work in defence.

“Nick Coffey on debut in first grade. For a 17-year-old, he had a really good day. He was really strong.”

Saturday’s triumphs marked what has been a thrilling season for the Blue Boars so far, particularly in recent rounds after defeating last year’s premiers Quirindi in a nail-biting 25-24 clash at Dangar Park and a decisive 56-38 win against Moree.

Gleeson said focusing on the next few weeks following those successes is the focus now.

“The boys have been really good and they’re training hard,” he said.

“They’re really starting to come together as a unit.”

Gleeson praised the success of the women’s team which has been in dominant form all season.

“They keep training as hard as anyone,” he said.

Gleeson was also full of praise for the reserve grade team which is second on the ladder just behind Moree.

“It’s probably been a little while since we’ve been in a position where we’ve had Reggies in the top two as well,” he said.

“As a club, it’s a really positive thing for us going forward.”