Blue Boars’ first grade season ends with nail-biter in Moree

DYLAN SMITH

Narrabri Rugby Club’s first grade season came to a nail-biting end against Moree in Saturday’s preliminary final at Weebolla Oval.

It had all the makings of a blockbuster finals game with the neighbouring rivals going head-to-head for the last of the grand final spots.

The Bulls were the first to hit the scoreboard, but the Blue Boars returned fire with a Will McDonnell try and Andrew Weber conversion.

Moree were quick to gain control and crossed for another try within minutes, with a penalty adding to the Bulls’ tally.

With 10 minutes to go in the first half, the Bulls crossed for another try and a conversion to lead at the half-time break 22–7.

The Blue Boars chipped away at the scoreboard in the second half, with a Rob Burke try the first following the break.

Moree scored two successive tries, taking the lead to 36–21.

Jack Maunder and Joe Baker bridged the scoreboard gap with a try each.

At the 65-minute mark, the Bulls led 36–28.

Moree again added to its try tally, but Travis Small crossed the line at the 75th minute with a conversion by Andrew Weber seeing the Bulls lead by just six-points 41–35.

Tension was high as the Blue Boars attempted to make the most of the final minutes of the penultimate game of the season.

A Moree penalty goal at the 77th minute slightly widened the gap to 44–35, the final score of the day.

First grade coach Craig Gleeson said Saturday’s loss had been a disappointing blow but praised the playing group’s outstanding effort on the day and throughout the season.

“All the boys had a real crack. I couldn’t fault their effort and their heart,” Gleeson said of the preliminary final in Moree.

“None of the boys went missing. They all put their body on the line.

“They all tried their guts out right to the end and for that I can’t be more thankful.”

Will McDonnell was among the try-scorers at Weebolla Oval on Saturday.

Reflecting on Saturday’s preliminary final, Gleeson said the structures and plans in place for the day hadn’t been executed as well as they would’ve liked.

“I think we were probably a little bit off script of what we wanted to do,” he said.

Gleeson admitted that he – and the strong Narrabri crowd which had travelled up the Newell Highway – had thought that a comeback was in sight as the Blue Boars narrowed the margin on the scoreboard to just six points.

“I actually still felt like we were a real chance of stealing the game,” he said.

“I’ve got that much confidence in the talent there.”

The late penalty to Moree in the final minutes, however, had sealed the deal for the Bulls.

This year, the Blue Boars had been among the three standout clubs in first grade, alongside Moree and Quirindi.

Gleeson had earlier announced that this season would be his last after three great years coaching the Blue Boars first XV, including the emphatic come-from-behind 2024 premiership in the club’s 60th anniversary year.

“I’ve had three fantastic years and I’ve been very lucky to coach the boys that are in that team,” Gleeson said.

“It’s been a great experience. I couldn’t be more grateful.

“I think it’s someone else’s turn now to take over and really see what they can do with that group of men.

“It’s a really good opportunity for someone to step in … the club’s in a fantastic position.”

Moree will now play Quirindi in the first grade grand final.

The Blue Boars will play in their first reserve grade grand final in almost 10 years and will come up against Moree. The Blue Boars women, who were undefeated all season, will play Tamworth in the women’s competition cliffhanger.

See more on this weekend’s CNRU grand final, including player profiles, inside today’s edition.