Moree Bulls made another strong statement against old rivals Narrabri Blue Boars on Saturday afternoon, winning 47-26 at Weebolla Oval and making it two from two against the Boars this season.
The Round Thirteen clash had plenty around it. Moree had beaten Narrabri 36-22 in Round One, Narrabri had claimed last year’s first-grade grand final 31-27, and both clubs arrived with recent form lines pointing in different directions.
Moree had been looking for a response after a 46-21 away loss to Quirindi, while Narrabri travelled to Weebolla Oval after a 43-36 win over Tamworth Pirates.
The Bulls found that response in front of their home crowd.
Alexander Roseby opened Moree’s scoring in the 12th minute, before Asesela Ravuvu crossed twice in the first half to help send the Bulls into the break leading 21-7.
Moree then took control early in the second half. Mitchell Adams scored back-to-back tries after half-time, before Hamish Christie and Ben DiDonna also crossed as the Bulls pushed the score out to 42-7 by the 55th minute.
Benjamin Williams added three conversions and two penalty goals for Moree, keeping the scoreboard moving during the Bulls’ strongest period of the match.
The physical edge of the derby was clear just before half-time, when Moree made an injury substitution in the 39th minute.
Narrabri did not go away quietly. The Blue Boars worked their way back into the contest late, with William McDonnell scoring in the 63rd minute, Charlie Radford crossing in the 76th minute and Charlie Turner adding another try in the 79th minute.
By then, however, Moree had done enough. The Bulls closed out a 21-point win and added another chapter to a rivalry that has produced tight contests in recent seasons, including a 25-all draw at Dangar Park in 2023 and Narrabri’s grand final win last year.
The first-grade result helped Moree finish the home day with three wins from four grades.
In reserve grade, Narrabri’s Nick Coffey opened the scoring with an early penalty goal, but Moree responded strongly to win 29-3. Jack Slack crossed twice for the Bulls, with Joel Petty, Tim Cassegrain and Sam Copeman also scoring tries. Darcy Brazel added two conversions.
Moree’s under 16s side also delivered a convincing result, keeping Narrabri scoreless in a 39-0 win.
Narrabri’s strongest result came in the women’s match, where the Blue Boars defeated Moree 43-5. April Smith and Shaine Maunder each scored twice for Narrabri, with Claudia Penberthy, Toni Rae and Ashlyn Summers also crossing. Rae added four conversions.
The four-grade home day was also part of Moree Rugby Club’s Mental Health Round, adding extra meaning to a busy afternoon of rugby at Weebolla Oval.
Moree Online News will update this story if further team details, best players or injury information become available from the club.
