THE Weebolla Bulls trounced the Gunnedah Red Devils on Saturday but celebrations were overshadowed as the rugby community mourned the tragic loss of one of its own.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Coach Simon Hall said the first grade’s resounding 62-7 victory and the reserves come-from-behind win paled into insignificance in the wake of a fatal accident in another game in the Central North competition.
Sadly, 25-year-old Nick Tooth from the Quirindi Lions died as a result of a head clash in his side’s game against the Narrabri Blue Boars.
“Many of the Moree players knew Nick from school, university or from the wider community,” Hall said. “The CNRU community is close-knit. Players often play together at other clubs or at school or university before settling back in the area.”
The Bulls took to Dangar Park with sustained early pressure that saw them take control of both field position and momentum.
Jordan Cosh scored the first try early and Moree did not look back.
“We continued one of the best starts to a game we have played in recent memory, converted sustained possession and field position into a big lead, not letting Gunnedah get a roll on,” Hall said.
At half-time Moree led 41-0.
Gunnedah emerged from the half-time break more resolute with the wind at their backs, if not entirely in their sails.
Moree maintained the bulk of possession but the Red Devils’ defence was more defiant.
The Bulls scored four tries in the second half to close out a much improved effort from the week before.
Hall said he was delighted by the first half effort which allowed the Bulls to make it two wins from two games this season.
“But the second half showed there is still work to be done to move towards a 80 minute effort,” he said.
Cosh scored two tries to claim man-of-the-match, edging out Daniel Taunton.
Sam Bacigalupo also tried twice while Ben Colley and Ben Carrigan had particularly strong games.
Earlier in the day the reserves played their first game of the season following Walcha’s forfeit last week with a 27-19 win despite a slow start.
The Bulls were on the back foot early following a Gunnedah try and it took them a while to get into the game.
Eventually Moree strung some phases together to create space to utilise the pace of Alexander Bailey, who scored with a clean set of heels in the corner.
Still, the Bulls trailed going into half-time.
“We began to hit our straps in the second half with the forwards making some big runs,” Hall said.
The forward platform allowed the Bulls to exploit the speed of their back line with Jake Cutcliffe and Will Hiscox crossing for tries.
Nathan Holland steered the ship well from fly half, contributing two conversions and a penalty.
“A big improver was forward Zach Mather, who received man-of-the-match with Reece Manning close behind on his debut,” Hall said.
Speedy wingers Will Hiscox and Alexander Bailey also received points.
The Bulls’ third grade played Croppa Creek in a social match to start the day, though there was nothing friendly about it.
Regular training gave Moree the edge as they came home 32-7 winners against the Crows, who are building toward entering the CNRU competition.
A good crowd saw quality football with Trevor Tighe Moree’s best on ground, followed closely by Ben Day.
Both sides had plenty of quality Sam Kelly scrummaged particularly well while Nick Smith was also impressive in his Moree debut, also coming off the bench for second and first grades.
Both teams are hoping for a re-match later this year.
