Moree’s mighty Boars have hit the ground running this year, taking home the gong in their trial match against Bingara Bullets on Saturday.
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“We went really well. It was a great game to test ourselves before the start of the season,” A-Grade coach Scott Girard said.
We went really well. It was a great game to test ourselves before the start of the season
- Scott Girard
The combined reserve and A-Grade team scored an 18-12 victory over the Bullets, with Luke Hetherington, Wayne Swan, Dion Dahlstrom and Justin Smith each taking home a try for Moree.
“For this game, some players from the reserve team were playing. It’s a time to really play around with the team and find out who will make the final cut,” said Girard.
Making an appearance was Junior U18s Matt Annis-Brown and Luke McDonald, who held their own.
“The team was really strong, and played really well as a unit.”
The trial match revealed many key strengths of the team, the coach added.
“The boys mainly played a defensive game, so the defense line definitely got a work out.”
He also said the game exposed the team’s weaknesses, which he hopes to get on top of ahead of the start of season.
“There was definitely a lot of ball dropping. A lot more than I would have liked. I also want to work on our attack.”
The win could not a be a better start to the year for Girard, who has settled into the role of A-Grade coach for the first time.
“I trained the reserve team for two years, and now I’m in the big leagues.”
No doubt, the victory was a great way for the club to enter their 100th year as a team, with centenary celebrations already in mind for later this year.
“It’s already working out to be a big year for the team. Let’s hope this good run lasts the season,” said Girard.
The A-Grade coach said he was already impressed with the overwhelming support from the Moree community.
“The number of people who turned out to the game on the weekend was incredible. It’s great to see more people getting involved with the team.”
The women’s league-tag team also enjoyed a win, taking out a 10-4 victory over the Bullets.
Linda Smith and Shonnalea Smith scored the tries, bringing home the victory.