Blue Boars are finals bound

NARRABRI Rugby Club is entering Central North’s final series after top three finishes across the first grade, reserve grade and women’s competitions.

The Blue Boars marked a successful end to the preliminary season putting Tamworth to the sword in what was a blue rinse at Dangar Park.

The Blue Boars women defeated the Pirates 32-22 before a dominant display in reserve grade which saw the Blue Boars victorious 35-7.

First grade ended the preliminary season with a try-fest, defeating the Pirates 67-19.

Narrabri will now host the minor final this weekend, with the Blue Boars playing Inverell to earn a spot in the preliminary final.

It will be a weekend off for the second grade and women’s teams which will compete in the major final the following weekend in Moree, hoping to secure the first berth in the grand final later this month.

Will McDonnell takes control of the ball. The Blue Boars will host the minor final at Dangar Park this weekend, with Narrabri to play Inverell in first grade.

The Blue Boars finished first grade in third spot on 70 points, just behind second-placed Quirindi on 71 points and Moree in first place on 72 points.

Reserve grade ended the preliminary season in second spot on 61 points with Moree first on 76 points.

The Blue Boars women had a dominant season winning all 15 games, finishing in first spot on 85 points ahead of second-placed Tamworth on 71 points and third-placed Moree on 48 points.

First grade coach Craig Gleeson said the entire day was positive for the club and a great lead into Central North’s finals series.

Gleeson acknowledged there was some disappointment that the weekend’s results didn’t work in the Blue Boars’ favour for first grade, with the club just being pipped at proceeding through to the major final where grand final hosting rights are up for grabs.

“We’re really positive about our form heading into the finals and we believe we’re in a really good spot,” Gleeson said.

Imogen Hope dives over for a try in the Blue Boars women’s clash at home. The Blue Boars women are through to the major final to be played at Moree.

Reflecting on Saturday’s first grade clash, Gleeson said the boys are sticking to their structures well.

“In the last three weeks we’ve been improving there each week and Saturday was no different,” he said.

“That’s why those sort of results are showing on the scoreboard.”

Gleeson highlighted the efforts of the two first grade captains, Will McDonnell and Jack Maunder.

“Will McDonnell was outstanding, carrying a bit of an injury into the match, and showed why he is one the premier footballers out in this zone,” Gleeson said.

“There was some really good stuff from Charlie Radford, Joe Baker, Andrew Weber in the backs, along with Jack Maunder and Rob Burke in the forwards.

“We’re starting to get most of our players back and we’re looking really strong heading into the finals.”

Tim Brooker in action in reserve grade. The Blue Boars now proceed through to the major final in Moree.

Radford, in particular, has been in impressive form of late with his name a frequent occurrence on the list of try-scorers.

Radford’s exemplary season could see him among the contenders for top try-scorers for the entire group.

“It’s a credit to his fitness. He’s just that fit that he’s working on every player to push up and support the ball runners,” Gleeson said.

“He’s putting himself in some really good positions to be available and to score those tries.”

As the Blue Boars ready themselves for this weekend’s minor final with Inverell, the focus will be firmly placed on attack structures and defence.

“Inverell has some real danger threats out wide and we need to be prepared for that,” Gleeson said.