IT wasn’t all frills at the rugby union ladies day on Saturday with the Bulls dominating Gunnedah in both games.
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Fifth-placed Red Devils travelled to Moree to redeem themselves from their heavy defeat in the first round.
Ben Colley opened the scoring early following good lead up work from Adam O’Neil.
Red Devils applied pressure on the Bulls’ defence with their strong ball runners being up to the task.
The Bulls managed to score another try going into the second half with a 14–0 lead.
The home side were not pleased with the first half effort and looked to bring more enthusiasm into the second half.
An improved effort in the second half saw Bulls hold onto the ball, converting the position into points.
Joe deDassel bulldozed his way over the try line and Ben Carrigan snuck his way through a mid-field gap to score under the posts.
Jordan Cosh crossed for the final try which was converted by Ben Carrigan.
The Bulls’ best players were Ben Colley, Alex Corlis and Fraser Brown.
Coach, Simon Hall, said they were not completely happy with the performance but there were some strong points to take out of the game.
“We played a strong field position game at crucial times which ultimately controlled the game,” Hall said.
“Gunnedah were held scoreless. It was particularly pleasing given the team had lapsed in those moments earlier in the season.”
Moree is now placed second on the table.
The match at Narrabri in the final round this weekend will decide who will finish top of the table with a home semi-final up for grabs.
In second grade, the Bulls looked to consolidate their position on top of the ladder with Gunnedah coming off with a strong win against Tamworth.
The Bulls took control early with Jackson Shearer combining with Trevor Tighe down the right side of the field on the back of good defensive work from Nick Smith and Reece Manning.
“Bulls continued to convert possession into points with Tony O’Donnell, Sylvester Joseph, Nick Smith, Alex Jackman, James Kanaley and Patrick Kinsella all getting their names on the score sheet,” Hall said.
The Bulls’ best players were Tony O’Donnell and Jackson Shearer who opened up the Red Devils’ defence.
“Nick Smith’s defence was strong as was Henry Noble’s at half back who pushed team mates when required,” Hall said.
The Bulls won 63–7, confirming the minor premiership, and looking well placed in their attempt to win their third premiership in a row.