The Moree Boars were defeated against Tamworth Wests at home on Sunday.
The end score for A grade was 50-16 to Wests which coach Todd Mitchell believed was not a good reflection of the game.
“The boys were on top for the first 60 minutes and lost the mental battle in the end,” Mitchell said.
The score at half time was 10-4 to the Boars.
A quick try to the Boars after the break had the visitors on the back foot.
“We were looking good until we lost a few penalties.
“They were able to capitalise on our mistakes and put some quick points on the board,” Mitchell said.
It was all downhill for the Boars for the remainder of the second half with some younger players feeling the pinch against an older and more experienced first grade side.
“Most of our younger players are still finding their feet in A grade.
“It was unlimited interchange and 30-minute halves in under 18s and now it is limited interchange and 40-minute halves.”
Mitchell put it down to self-belief.
With the introduction of a new recruit in the coming weeks the Moree Boars A grade side will be looking for a few more wins this season.
“We just need to keep playing our best footy for the full 80 minutes.”
The reserve grade side fought hard but also fell short to Tamworth going down 42-18.
The under 18s were missing a few players and couldn’t keep up with Tamworth Wests losing the battle 38-8.
The closest team to victory was the under 16s who narrowly missed out on beating Tamworth 26-24.
Under 16s coach Allan Wells praised the boys on a good performance from start to finish.
“It was a close game; we were pipped in the last few minutes which was disappointing,” Wells said.
Wells said standout players for the 16s included Jarom Haines and Luke Hobday.