TO quote team captain Jamie Sampson, Moree Boars put on a “try July” at Boughton Oval on Sunday, outgunning Kootingal Roosters 60-nil to secure second spot on the competition ladder, one point behind joint leaders Werris Creek Magpies and Boggabri Kangaroos.
Again, winger Adrian Smith starred for the Boars, with three first-half tries and eight goals across 80 minutes of football – 28 points in total.
Powerhouse Chris Vidler and centre Kaedyn Smith each crossed for two tries, with individual tries going to full-back Lachlan McGrady, winger Jake Tighe, second-rower Sam Sadler and Dereik Newman.
The Boars went to the break 28 nil, and increased the margin effortlessly in the second stanza.
Co-coach Jack Durheim, sidelined with injuries, said Kootingal played hard during the first half.
“Kootingal definitely showed up in the first half, with a lot of energy in both attack and defence, but it was a pretty good game all round for us, I think,” Durheim said.
“We might’ve come out a little slower than we needed to be to try and keep up. In the first 10 minutes Kooty came out with a little bit more energy than us.
“But we came good and scored some good tries in the first half,” he said.
“It was a good game and I’m happy with how the boys played.”
Durheim said the Group 4 competition will now have next weekend off before the chase for semi-finals begin.
“The whole comp has next week off, and that will be a good opportunity to have a rest and sort out some little niggles and freshen up,” he said.
“We’ll still train – nothing changes for us – but we don’t play next weekend.”
The Boars resume against joint leaders Boggabri Kangaroos at Jubilee Oval on Sunday, July 27, followed by North Tamworth Bears at Boughton Oval on Saturday, August 2 and Wee Waa Panthers on Sunday, August 10.
“We’ll see where we can land in the finals, with Werris Creek losing their last couple means it’s an open game at the top of the table now,” Durheim said.
“We can’t afford to lose a game. Werris Creek and Boggabri are now tied on 17 points and this win takes us to 16 points.
“There’s a very open and exciting end to the season coming up,” he said.
In other Group 4 first-grade games at the weekend, North Tamworth Bears also piled on 60 points at Jack Woolaston Oval against a scoreless Wee Waa Panthers.
Incredibly, Gunnedah Bulldogs collared the same scoreline – 60-nil – against Dungowan Cowboys at Kitchener Park.
The Group 4 competition has a rest next weekend, with Moree Boars playing away against Boggabri Kangaroos at Jubilee Oval on Sunday, July 27.
