THE season has come to an end for the Moree Boars reserves after losing against North Tamworth 40-24 at the weekend, finishing third on the ladder.
Brett Brazel said the boys put in a good effort, considering he didn’t expect his team to make it that far after winning the first semi-final.
Brazel said the Boars got off to a slow start against Tamworth with the hosts having a 24-0 lead at half time.
“After three or four quick tries we made it 24 all but with 15 minutes to go we lost our halfback Mitchell Rutledge with a broken leg.
“He was hit with a high tackle and fell backwards awkwardly.”
Apparently Rutledge broke the front and back bone just above his ankle and was heading to Armidale for an operation yesterday.
“We looked the better side in the second half and looked liked we were going to run away with it but we made a couple of bad decisions and little mistakes at critical times.
“I think our fitness later in the game is what counted the most.”
Brazel thanked all the sponsors for their support throughout the year along with first grade coach Todd Mitchell, Paul Raveneau for helping coach and treasurer Barry Ryan, who “does a lot of work for the club”.
Brazel said junior Chris Holland was one stand-out player for the season having played about his weight and age in both reserves and A grade.
The Boars are now preparing for their presentation night at the Moree and District Services Club on Saturday, September 1. Tickets are available from the club or Hayman’s Electrical.
JAMIE Hardman said he saw some of the best footy in the country for years when the under 18s took on Narrabri at the weekend, winning 60-0.
“They whooped them,” Hardman said.
“It was an awesome game!”
The boys will now play in the major semi against Tamworth in Inverell in two weekend’s time, and if they win will go into the grand final.
Meanwhile, reserves also had a good win 31-19.
Unfortunately they will still miss the finals due to other results not going their way.
“They played really well on the day,” Hardman said.
“Mick Grant and Corbin Carter played well and the forwards were outstanding,” he said.
First grade went down 33-14 in a “very ordinary” game.
Narrabri made 21 points in the first 15 minutes making it tough for Moree to come back.
“We played well in the second half but unfortunately we’re out of the comp,” now Hardman said.
“Ben Colley was best on the day, followed by Matt Wannan and Heath Riggs who received one point.
“It’s been a pretty successful year overall. All players have been committed and it’s been a good season.”
THE Boomies smashed Inverell 58-24 in the minor semi-final on Saturday while the reserves were beat 44-20 against Tingha at Guyra on Sunday.
The under 18s also went down to Armidale 26-20 knocking them out of the competition.
First and second grade will now go on to play the major semis this weekend.
Both grades will play Guyra on Sunday and the winners will go on to play Glen Innes in the first grade grand final and Tingha in the reserves.
Warren Sampson said it had been a successful year with the team only being beaten by two to four points each time, and he hoped both grades would make the grand final.