One of the few consistent things in modern rugby league is that the score line seldom indicates the intensity of the game. This was the case at Moree on Saturday as the Gwydir A Graders battled against the Boomerangs for 68 minutes, first one leading and then the other in what was a classic encounter. Gwydir led 18-6 after 21 minutes, the Boomies 24-18 at half time and Gwydir 30 -28 with 12 minutes on the clock. Then as often is the case, something intervenes to break the pattern.
Gwydir kicked into the corner, winger Howard Duncan flew to regather and dive over the line for what everyone thought was a game breaking try. However the linesman, although well behind the play, indicated to the referee that an earlier pass was forward.
Gwydir heads dropped with the no try decision and the Boomerangs streamed up field to score on the back of what appeared to be a forward pass, but no call was made this time and the gallant Gwydir men were gone.
Instead of having a lead, the team was well behind and the opposition took full advantage in the final minutes to race in some late tries to win 50 -30.
While disappointing to lose, the Boomerangs are a class outfit and defeat cannot be attributed to just a few debatable decisions. The Club has the players to stamp their authority on the competition, but it will take time to settle on combinations and to also reach the fitness that is critical at the top level. However it was also obvious that Saturday’s effort represented considerable improvement on the Inverell game and the first win is not far away.
Scorers on Saturday were Mathew Cleal (2), Nathan McGrady, Luke Thom and Mitchell Porter. Todd Simpson kicked five goals, most from wide out. Cleal gained 2 NBN points and Dave McGrady 2 points from the referee. Thom and McGrady had their first game together in the halves and the fans can’t wait for them to settle in and shape the games.
The reserve grade lost 14-34 against the highly regarded Boomerangs. Thanks to tries to Tim Grant and Rocky Hall and a goal to Sam Cooper, Gwydir led 10-6 at half time but gradually fell behind the pace. They only added another try, scored by new signing, Samuel Armstrong. Captain, Jay Fletcher continued his good form at hooker and Sam Cooper did well at half. Cooper and Rhys Aleckson backed up for first grade. Andrew McClymont had his first game for Gwydir and was rewarded with one referee’s point.
The Gwydir Girls let the opposition lead 22-4 before they clicked into gear to finish just short and lost 16-22. Scorers were Mellisa Molloy (2), Danika Fields and Tiarna Molloy kicked two goals. Melissa also received one referee’s point. Despite losing, it was a magnificence performance as they finished all over the Rangettes to almost clinch victory.
This Friday night Gwydir plays Tingha at 6.30 pm at Warialda and a free supporter’s bus will depart the Imperial at 5.30 pm. Please book early at the Club’s major sponsor, the Imperial Hotel Motel.
Round 2 results
First Grade
Armidale 58 def. Ashford 20
Glen Innes 28 def. Tingha 22
Moree B. 50 def Gwydir 30
Inverell Bye
Reserve Grade
Armidale 22 def. Ashford 16
Tingha 30 def. Glen Innes 28
Inverell 60 def. Uralla 22
Moree B. 34 def Gwydir 14.
Under 18’s
Glen Innes 30 def. Tingha 22
Uralla 34 def. Inverell 24
Moree Boomerangs Bye
Armidale Bye
Ladies League Tag
Armidale 30 def. Ashford 4
Glen Innes 24 def. tingha 4
Uralla 20 def. Inverell 20
Moree B. 22 def. Gwydir 16.
