Blue Boars claim double grand final berth

NARRABRI Rugby Club returned from the major semi-final in Moree triumphant and claimed two grand final berths in emphatic fashion.

The Blue Boars women’s 10s are now on the hunt for their fourth consecutive premiership while reserve grade will play in its first grand final in almost 10 years.

The last time the Blue Boars reserves made it to the big dance was in its 15–5 victory against Moree in 2018.

Narrabri Rugby Club’s women’s 10s team now has its sights set on a fourth consecutive premiership after earning a grand final berth in Saturday’s major semi-final in Moree. Back, April Smith (coach/captain), Rahni Drumgold, Ashlyn Summers, Peta Cox, Shona McFarland, Belle Byrne, Toni Rae, Belle McClelland (manager); front, Lidia Richards, Claudia Penberthy, Laine McCauley, Esta Kalatzis, Kim Bange, Imogen Hope, Immy Taylor, Shaine Maunder; sitting, Johnny and Reggy Melton. Photos: Dylan Smith.

The women kicked off the Blue Boars’ visit to Weebolla Oval on Saturday with a dominant display against the Tamworth Pirates, winning 52–5.

Lidia Richards and Claudia Penberthy topped the try scorers’ list, hitting the board with two each.

Laine McCauley, Imogen Hope, April Smith and Shaine Maunder each bagged a try.

Smith was also in strong form with six conversions.

In reserve grade, the Blue Boars overpowered minor premiers Moree.

It was a nail-biting clash, with the Bulls and the Blue Boars level at 12-all late in the second half.

Esta Kalatzis in action in Moree.

The Blue Boars hit the board again in the final moments of the game, with a final score of 17–12, to walk away with a grand final berth.

Reserve grade coach Mick Coffey praised the result as a great reward for everyone who has been involved in the side this year.

“They’re the blokes that have built that culture, that mateship, and that tight bond,” Coffey said.

That great culture has become a key part of reserves, regardless of playing full or half games, or even if kitting up and not getting a run on the field.

Coffey explained that the side strives to give everyone a run

during the preliminary season, but that’s not always possible during finals football.

Support by the entire squad was evident on Saturday, with several injured players there to savour the special moment.

Success in the reserves has been building in recent years, including under previous captain-coach Nathan Nott.

Reflecting on Saturday’s triumph in Moree, Coffey highlighted the impact of Sam Knight and Linton Grumley.

Linton Grumley takes control of the ball.

“Sam Knight made a huge impact when he came on at the 20-minute mark,” Coffey said.

“Linton Grumley’s been a really selfless player all year for our club.”

Captain Nick Anderson was also described by Coffey as one of the most respected captains he had seen.

Coffey praised senior figures in the side including Nott and Ed Carrigan while highlighting the youth in the side including Nick Coffey, Mack Orr and Will Fulton-Kennedy.

“They’re your first graders in a few years and they’re the future of the club,” he said of the squad’s younger members.

“They’ve got another decade at least in the jersey or more.”

The Blue Boars turn their sights again to Moree this weekend for the preliminary final.

The Blue Boars first grade men will come up against Moree after the Bulls fell short against Quirindi in Saturday’s major semi-final.

In reserve grade, Moree will play Quirindi for the final grand final berth while Pirates come up against Inverell in the women’s competition.

In third grade, Gunnedah is expected to play Pirates.

Quirindi will host the Central North Rugby Union grand final on Saturday 29 August.