Saturday saw the Gwydir River Rats confirm they are a force to be wary of when they destroyed the Armidale City side 38 – Nil at Moran Oval in Armidale. In a game full of energy the Rats were able to steam roll the Armidale side from the outset.
Andrew Kennedy high in the air ready to get the ball during this lineout.
River Rats player Bear Craddock opened the day 4 minutes after kick off with a great try out wide. Some great ball was once more being provided by the forwards with several phases of football being cleanly won straight from the start.
In the 10th minute Graham Rampling steam rolled the defence and went into score allowing John Apples Allison to convert his first of 4 conversions for the day. Jay Fletcher was finally able to land the try that has eluded him all season after chasing a kick from Alex Boof Abra and toeing it ahead he dived on it to claim the points. Warren Bourke then stole the ball in a ruck and it was thrown out along the backline allowing Travis Allen to score in the corner to give the Rats a 24 – 0 score-line at half time.
The second half was a good hard tussle with 2 Rats and 1 Armidale player being sin – binned for 10 minutes however the speed and ability of Kyle Miller was shown on the day and he was able to cross the line for 2 fantastic tries that had the crowd on their feet on both occasions giving the River Rats there final score line of 38 – 0.
This win has cemented the River Rats in 2nd position and allows them the opportunity to take on Albies next week in the 2nd grade Major Semi Final at 12 noon on the Rugby Field at Bellevue Sporting Complex, UNE Campus Armidale.
It’s hard to believe how far the side has come this year and the support that has been given to them by both the local community and New England clubs shows that they are starting to become well recognised and followed. Once more it was commented on at how well they all look in there outfits both on and off the field and what a credit they are to Bingara and the community. Well done Guys.
Points this week went Alex Abra (3); Jacob Black (2); Warren Bourke (1) and Players Player was Jacob Black and clown of the round went to Club Treasurer/Registrar Glenda Wright for a typo, less said the better.
Last week we saw the arrival of Charles Fuller, first son for Rebecca and Jared we wish them the best of health. The stork should be busy with Sam and Dan Bavistock expecting the arrival of their bundle of joy any day now. Rugby seems to be helping the population with the announcement of Jason and Ann Lewis expecting another child early next year.
Also we need to congratulate Alex Abra for making the Under 17’s country team; he played last week unfortunately he didn’t make the NSW Squad. We would also like to wish the Barraba League boys luck in the Grand Final.
Next week the bus departs from the Oval at 8.30am. The game kicks off at 12 noon with the winner straight into the grand final and the loser to play the winner of the minor semi final between Armidale and Robb College on the following weekend. All supporters are welcome and encouraged to come and get behind there team, we will also be on 2NZ 1188am with John Shaw this Saturday between 8 and 9am.
Also congratulation to the Baa Baa’s who have made the 1st grade Minor Semi final and the 3rd grade Major Semi Final. Game times for next Saturday are as follows:
10:45 3rd Grade Major Semi final (Rugby ground) St Alberts 3 vs Barbarians
11:45 2nd Grade Minor Semi final (AFL ground) Robb College vs Armidale Blues
12:00 2nd Grade Major Semi final (rugby ground) St Alberts vs Gwydir River Rats
1:15 3rd Grade Minor Semi final (AFL ground) Armidale Blues vs St Alberts 4
1:20 1st Grade Minor Semi final (Rugby ground) Robb College vs Barbarians
3:15 1st Grade Major Semi final (Rugby ground) St Alberts vs Armidale Blues
We would like to take this time to thank Sportsmans Hotel Bingara, Bingara RSL, H Fay and Sons, McGregor’s Gourlay Agricultural Services, Wonga Santa, Gwydir Shire Council, Ken and Gay Holden, Allerton Transport, Tex and Glenda Wright, Bingara Lions Club, Bingara Bakehouse, Bingara Newsagency, Bingara Pharmacy, Bingara Post Office, AG and BL Bilsborough, H Roy Miller, La Vogue Hair and Beauty, Meat on Maitland, Tra Electrical, Villa Rouge, Gwydir Works, Darcy Gardener and Sons, Charlie Quelch, Tracey and Roger Rigby and Austbrokers RWA.
