Moree Bulls dealt a significant blow to reigning Central North premiers Tamworth Pirates to claim an exciting win in front of a large Ladies Day crowd on Saturday.
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The Bulls, who are sitting in second place on the 2018 Central North first grade ladder, are still coming down from a high after Saturday’s 43-38 victory against the previously undefeated, first-placed Pirates in a thrilling top-of-the-table clash.
“It was a good win,” Bulls first grade coach Peter Copeman said.
“The guys were talking after their first game saying they can beat them.
“It was good for our confidence.”
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The Bulls led throughout the first half and were in front 25-17 at halftime. A second-half surge saw the Pirates take the lead briefly before the Bulls fought their way back in front and held on to claim the win 43-38.
In front of a 1,500-strong Ladies Day crowd, Moree took full advantage of the understrength Tamworth side, which had half a dozen of their good players missing.
“Our scrum was excellent, we’ve been working on it,” Copeman said.
“Admittedly they had a couple of players out from their scrum but our guys did well which put more pressure on their attack.”
And while Moree’s line-outs and counter-attack off the kicks – which resulted in three tries – was also good, Copeman said the side needs to work on their blind-side defence.
“We left it open a bit,” he said.
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Copeman said Josh Walker (who scored three tries), Mitch Adams (who scored one try), Matt Wannan, Ben Williams (who kicked two conversions and three penalties), John Adams and Hayden Wiblen all had top games.
And although the win against Pirates has boosted the Bulls’ confidence, Copeman said there’s still plenty of work to do before thinking about their finals chances.
“We’ve just got to keep winning,” he said.
“We’re in a good position, I’m happy with where we are. It’s better than I thought we would be considering all the away games we’ve had.”
Meanwhile, Moree’s reserve grade side also proved too good for the visitors, with the final score 43-5.
Copeman said it was a top day all round, with a great crowd on hand to cheer for the home side in what was arguably the most successful Bulls Ladies Day events ever.
“Thanks to all the ladies and the Ladies Day committee for the good job they did,” he said.
“And thanks to the sponsors and supporters who bought the jumpers [in the Ladies Day auction]. It’s a very generous Moree.”
The Bulls will travel to Quirindi this Saturday, July 7 to take on the Lions.
