Despite the 32-19 final score, it wasn’t an easy win according to Bulls first grade coach Peter Copeman, who said the Barraba/Gwydir side put up a tough fight at Weebolla Oval for round 13 of the rugby union competition on Saturday, July 14.

“It was a little scrappy compared to the Pirates game,” Copeman said.

“Barraba tend to bring everyone down to the way they like playing and that’s what happened.

“They’re a good side; they were competitive over the ball.

“They’re very fit too, they got round the paddock pretty well.”

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Moree led throughout the game, with the half-time score 20-7. A second-half try by Barraba/Gwydir saw the score tighten before the Bulls broke away with a couple more tries.

“The boys defended well in patches and scored some good tries,” Copeman said.

“Our scrum was good again.

“Our backs looked pretty sharp whenever they got the ball.”

Hayden Wiblen, Nathan Ebbett, Ashley Duncan, Jaime Sampson and Ben Williams all had good games, while Nick Smith was named players’ player.

The Bulls suffered a few injuries as a result of the game, but Copeman is hopeful they will have a full-strength side ahead of this Saturday’s match against Walcha.

He said they will need to work on their defence against third-placed Walcha – the only other side to defeat Tamworth Pirates.

“They’re the side to beat, besides Pirates,” Copeman said.

“They’re going really well.”

Despite the home game advantage for the Bulls, Copeman expects it to be a close game.

“Walcha always play well when they come here,” he said.

Moree’s second grade side also tasted victory against Barraba/Gwydir on Saturday, defeating the visitors 17-12. Moree are currently sitting in second place on the second-grade ladder, three points behind Narrabri Blue Boars.