MOREE Rugby Union Club president Simon Dunlop said it was a bitter pill to swallow both A grade and reserve grade lost grand finals on Saturday.
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“Unfortunately, on the big day though, both grades were outclassed by the better team,” he said.
“It is not a true reflection of their performances throughout the season.”
Second grade had another fantastic year and Moree entered the finals as minor premiers, before running into a red-hot Inverell side that had only played two second grade games in the last five weeks of competition.
“It was a shame that a season of great results ended in that fashion.
However, Matthew Moore should be congratulated in his first year in the coach’s chair.
“There has been the usual weddings, holidays, and other commitments to work around, as well as 1st grade pinching players when required, yet Moore and the team maintained a high standard of football right until the end of the season.”
In 1st grade, all previous matches against Narrabri went down to the wire, so the main game was always going to be a cracker.
Unfortunately, on Saturday the Narrabri team was too good for the local side.
Despite the score line, Moree should be congratulated for producing such a high standard of rugby.
“It didn’t go our way on the day, but it was far from a disappointing performance,” Dunlop said.
He congratulated Peter Copeman and Simon Hall who took the team to a grand final in their first year as a coaching team.
Dunlop said they have been lucky with depth at the club this season, but said it did not make the coaching job any easier.
Following the losses on the weekend, Dunlop said he wanted to congratulate all the players who took to the field for Moree this year.
“I’m sure you will all be back next year chasing revenge.
“I would also like to thank everyone that attended on Saturday.
“It was one of the biggest and most well behaved crowds I have seen out at Weebolla for a few years.
“There was a great atmosphere at the ground, and despite the results, Moree supporters showed respect for all teams and match officials for which you should all be congratulated.
“Finally thank you to all of our sponsors for a great season,” he said.
“We have had tremendous support from the community this year, and I hope it can continue next season.”