THE Moree Boomerangs created history on Sunday afternoon when first grade claimed the club’s first back-to-back premiership in their 56-18 belting of Inverell in the Group 19 rugby league grand final.
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They didn’t have it all their own way, especially in the opening 40 minutes, when they fumbled their way to a 16-8 lead at the break.
Coach, Chris Binge, conceded the enormity of the occasion played a part in the lacklustre start.
“To go back-to-back means a lot and I think the players knew that and probably let it get to them a bit early,” he said.
“We were a bit shaky for about 15 or 20 minutes and I think Inverell really challenged us. We just had to find a way to get through that and thankfully, we went back to the basics.
“Half time couldn’t have come quick enough to be honest.”
Binge said the victory was more than just a grand final win to their supporters.
“This team is the heart and soul of this town,” he said.
“This is about passion, commitment, family and community, and it’s well deserved.
“We can build on this and create a dynasty. This means a hell of a lot to the people that count and that’s our community.”
“We can build on this and create a dynasty. This means a hell of a lot to the people that count and that’s our community.”
- CHRIS BINGE
Five-eighth Rick Roberts was awarded the man of the match after a comprehensive second half performance where if he wasn’t scoring tries he was setting them up.
“Rick was phenomenal. I haven’t seen a second half performance like his in a grand final in a long time,” Binge said.
“People wrote him off a while ago but he’s put his head down and his bum up, and he’s worked hard for the last two years and reaping the benefits now.”
The coach said it was an exciting time to be involved with the club as they look ahead to the 2015 season which will see the upgrade of Burt Jovanovich Oval.
“In the next 12 months we’ve got something to look forward to and that’s having our own stadium so that’s a massive thing for the club and we’ve really worked hard for it.”
On the field, he said the challenge was on continued improvement despite their back-to-back grand final wins.
“It’s about challenging ourselves as a club and putting that challenge to the players.
“This is one of the biggest moments for the club in a long time and we have to improve on that."
For photos of the day, check out our grand final photo gallery: http://bit.ly/1reJWaN