Second half of the CNRU season kicks off

Narrabri Rugby Club sat out with byes in round 10 of the 2024 Central North Rugby Union season on Saturday as the second half of the campaign got underway.

There were two first grade games contested and they were both high-scoring matches as Tamworth Pirates outscored the Gunnedah Red Devils 46-29 at Chillingworth Oval and the Quirindi Lions took down the Scone Brumbies 44-33 in Quirindi.

The three top-ranked first grade teams all had byes in round 10 as Moree Bulls (46), Narrabri (39) and Inverell Highlanders (33) remained in first, second and third, respectively.

Pirates’ win saw them move to 32 points to round out the top four, Quirindi (28) are four points behind them in fifth, while Gunnedah (24) and Scone (17) make up the bottom two.

Narrabri’s lead at the top of the women’s tens competition ladder was extended to seven points after the second-placed Gunnedah Red Devils were kept scoreless in a 34-0 loss away from home against Pirates.

That result saw third-placed Pirates go to 30 points and Gunnedah remain on 36 points as the Blue Boars moved to 43 following their bye.

Fourth-placed Barraba Rams (30) were beaten 47-10 by fifth-placed Moree at Weebolla Oval as the Bulls climbed to 27 points to go within a win of third spot.

Sixth-placed Scone had a bye in round 10 and are now on 20 points.

Three second grade games were played in round 10 on Saturday as Moree downed Barraba 31-27, the Pirates outscored Gunnedah 27-8 and Quirindi rolled Scone 29-7 while Narrabri and Inverell had byes.

Moree are still first on the ladder after their win saw them move to 46 points, five clear of second-placed Quirindi (41).

Tamworth (39) and Narrabri (35) round out the top four, while Scone (22), Barraba (19), Inverell (18) and Gunnedah (14) make up the bottom four.

Narrabri will be back in action this Saturday when they welcome rivals Moree Bulls to Dangar Park.

The first grade game will be a top-of-the-table contest where the Kookaburra Challenge Cup is on the line as Narrabri are the current holders.

The round 11 fixtures will see Narrabri Rugby Club celebrate their 60-year anniversary.