Blue Boars to host Hannaford-Southwell Shield match on Saturday

Saturday will see senior rugby union return to Dangar Park for the first time in 2022 when the St Alberts College and Walgett rugby clubs visit for trial matches.

After the Central North season was abandoned on the eve of finals last year, the long and frustrating wait to play again is finally all but over.

Narrabri Rugby Club president Mick Coffey told The Courier this week that the club was focused on the present and future.

“We’re not dwelling on what the pandemic did to rugby for the past two years, we’re eyes forward for this year, and that begins on Saturday,” he said.

The Blue Boars will play against St Alberts in the first grade contest, during which they will be defending the Hannaford-Southwell Shield following a 22-0 shutout at Dangar Park in March last year.

The match is played between the two rugby union clubs in memoriam of former Blue Boar Brad Hannaford and his girlfriend Felicity Southwell, who tragically died in a car accident back in 2006.

“Brad and Felicity were both wonderful people with so much in front of them,” Coffey said.

“I remember being at Dangar Park on the day of their accident, and as the news went around the ground, it was a terrible, unexplainable state of emotion that was felt.

“On Saturday, we play for a shield that bears their names. You better believe we’re throwing the kitchen sink at winning this game in their honour.”

That match will kick off at 6.25pm and will wrap up under lights.

Other men’s matches on the day will see the Walgett Rams’ first grade team take on St Alberts’ reserve grade side and Narrabri’s reserve grade men play against the St Alberts third grade team. Those matches will begin at 4.45pm and 3.25pm, respectively.

Kicking off the day will be a match that Coffey predicted could very well be the most entertaining match of the day when the Narrabri Blue Boars take on St Alberts in a women’s 10s contest from 2.25pm.

“I’m looking forward to watching our women’s team play,” said Coffey.

“This year, the Central North and New England competitions are both moving to the 10s format, and our women’s team has been outstanding at training.

“I expect some great rugby from them.”

Due to a busy agricultural season, the 2022 pre-season has not been the smoothest for the Blue Boars.

A mixture of harvesting, irrigation, spraying, and other duties has affected training attendance at times.

“We’ve certainly had players miss sessions, but work needs to come first,” Coffey said.

“If players aren’t here because they’re watering a crop or they’re on a header, well, I’d rather see that than trying to keep their spirits up as we did in the drought.

“Yes, there’s some that haven’t got a lot of miles in the legs, but they’re sharp between the ears, that’ll see them through.”

It’s not just players who’ll be having the first run of the year, with several referees looking forward to the occasion.

Coffey was quick to praise referees who are officiating on the day.

“Jono Phelps, Michael Haire and James Kahl are all local referees and are refereeing a game on Saturday, and Walgett are bringing Ben Broatch to referee their game,” Coffey said.

“Without refs, we don’t play – that’s pointing out the obvious, I know, but it’s a fact.

“These blokes respond with a yes every time I ask them to referee.

“It can’t be stressed enough how important and valued referees are.

“The mindset needs to probably shift a bit from a lot of people and move to encouraging and supporting referees a bit more.

“Holding a day of rugby that has four grades playing hinges on referee availability, and I can’t speak highly enough of them.”

One thing that is evident around the Narrabri Rugby Club at present is enthusiasm amongst the players, coaches and committee.

First grade coach Jake Packer is yet to cement his starting lineup for the match on Saturday, but the feeling is there will be a few youthful faces that will run out in the top team – a reward for their effort and enthusiasm.

“The place is buzzing,” Coffey said.

“With the exception of Guesty (Will Guest), all coaches are coaching for the first time in our club. Toby Keys, as our club captain, is building a fantastic culture and bond in the playing group and, as always, the committee are doing their thing behind the scenes to keep us sailing smoothly.”

The next port of call for the Blue Boars is the following Saturday, April 2, in Mudgee where a senior men’s team will play a rolling trial game of 25-minute blocks, which will see them play Mudgee, Coonabarabran and Dubbo Rhinos.

The Blue Boars’ women’s 10s team will play against Mudgee Wombats.

The 2022 Central North Rugby Union competition will begin the following weekend on April 9, when Narrabri Rugby Club hosts Barraba-Gwydir at Dangar Park.