The Moree Bulls remain firmly in the hunt for the Central North Rugby Union minor premiership after battling to a 25-all draw with Inverell on Saturday, July 11.
Moree remains second on 58 competition points, two behind Quirindi and three ahead of Narrabri with two rounds of the regular season remaining.
First grade coach Jake Cutcliffe said Inverell’s ladder position did not reflect how competitive the side had been throughout the season.
“They may not have won a lot of games, but they’ve been very close in most of them and have pushed everyone right to the end, so we knew we were in for a tough game,” Cutcliffe said.
“We were a bit disjointed with a few injuries and a few players unavailable, but that wasn’t an excuse. I think both teams had their chances to ice the game, but it was a gutsy performance.”
Moree crossed through Charlie Grant, Lachlan Smith and Asesela Ravuvu, while Mitchell Adams added two conversions and two penalty goals.
Cutcliffe said he was pleased with the side’s defensive effort despite missing out on the win.
“Although we didn’t get the win, a draw is the next best thing. I thought the boys turned up and our defence was good. We have a couple of things to work on, mainly in attack.”
The draw leaves Moree in a tight three-way battle with Quirindi and Narrabri for the leading positions heading into the final rounds.
Cutcliffe said the Bulls had already secured a finals berth but were focused on taking the season one week at a time.
“We’re just trying to play one week at a time. We don’t want to get too caught up in where we’ll be ranked for finals. I just want to get a consistent team on the park and start building from there.”
He singled out captain Lachlan Smith and Mitchell Adams for their performances.
“Lachlan worked hard in the forwards. He was everywhere and led from the front,” Cutcliffe said.
“Mitchell played five-eighth on the weekend and had a great game in his first start there this season.”
Cutcliffe said the performances across the grades highlighted the strength of the club.
“We had wins in third grade and reserve grade and a draw in first grade, so it’s a testament to the depth of the club at the moment,” he said.
Reserve grade strengthened its grip on top spot with a 34-14 win over Inverell.
Thomas Watts, Tim Cassegrain, Hamish McMaster, Oliver Haddad and Michael O’Brien scored tries, while Ryan Hunt kicked three conversions and a penalty goal. The victory moved Moree to 66 competition points, 15 clear of second-placed Tamworth Pirates.
Third grade also extended its lead at the top of the ladder with a 17-0 shutout of Inverell.
David Annis-Brown scored two tries, Hayden Wiblen crossed for the opening five-pointer and Jack Hunt added a conversion as Moree moved to 45 competition points, 10 clear of second-placed Gunnedah.
Moree’s women were beaten 34-19 but retained third place on the ladder.
Merinda Duncan, Tahlia Gallagher and Kirree Quayle scored tries for the Bulls, while Duncan and Lilli-Rai Campbell added a conversion each. Moree remains on 40 competition points, seven ahead of fourth-placed Inverell.
The Bulls return home on Saturday, July 18, to take on Tamworth Pirates in their final home fixture of the regular season.
Cutcliffe expects another tough contest despite the Pirates sitting outside the top four.
“They’ve got the experience and competitiveness to turn up at any time,” he said.
“We’ve got a few boys coming back this week, either becoming available again or returning from injury, so it’ll be nice to start getting a bit of consistency together heading into the finals.”
