MOREE Boars skipped into overdrive in the second half of the Whitehaven Coal Group 4 first-grade major semi-final against Werris Creek at Boughton Oval on Saturday, running out winners, 62-24, to secure a home grand-final.
Down 20-18 at half-time, the Boars ran rampant in the second half.
Earlier in the day the Boars’ second-grade lost to Dungowan, 22-18, and will have to beat the winners of Sunday’s minor semi-final for a spot in the second-grade grand-final.
Dungowan also won the under-18s major semi with a 26-14 win over Werris Creek while Kootingal’s Ladies League Tag caused an upset when beating North Tamworth, 24-10, to secure a berth in Saturday week’s LLT grand-final.
That the 2024 grand-finals are to be played at Moree wasn’t looking so certain after Werris Creek led 20-12 late in the first-half of the first-grade major semi.
Moree scored just before half-time to make it 20-18 and go on from there.
Moree captain-coach, Michael Watton, was delighted with his side’s performance.
“We were a little bit rusty in the first half,” Watton said.
“I challenged the boys at half-time to be better defensively.”
They were. And along with that defence, came their attack.
The Boars scored almost 50 points in the second 40 minutes with second-rower Brent McDonald, normally renowned for his defence, scoring three tries.
“He just ran such good lines,” Watton said.
“When we get on a roll though, there aren’t many teams that can go with us.
“Everyone contributed. Our forwards set the platform. Had some hard runs with intent. Chris Vidler, Jobbo, Marshall, jack Durheim, Brenton, Brent McDonald and Jack Mitchell.
“They really grafted our way up the field and got us into some good spots.
“The week off won’t hurt us either,” he said.
Werris Creek coach Dave Stewart said Moree was simply too good.
“They are a good side. We take nothing away from them,” Stewart said.
“You can’t give them so much ball and good field position. If you do you can’t stop their momentum.
“We’ve got no excuses. That’s why they are minor premiers. We started slow again but played some good football to lead 20-12. Just made a mistake just before halftime and led 20-18. We’ll regroup,” he said.
Losing talented backrower Nate Follington midway through the first-half to injury didn’t help the Magpies.
Halfback Mitch Doring was one of the best for the Creek along with prop Charlie Parsons, who started off the bench.
“Charlie was a real powerhouse for us,” Stewart said.
WHITEHAVEN COAL GROUP 4 SEMI FINALS SCOREBOARD
MAJOR SEMI-FINALS
Boughton Oval, Moree.
First Grade: MOREE 62 (Brent McDonald 3, Lachlan McGrady 2, Jamie Sampson 2, Chris Vidler, Brenton Cochrane, Joe Wade, Jack Mitchell tries, Michael Watton 9gls) d WERRIS CREEK 24 (Nathanael Slater 2, Ronin Hadden, Mitch Doring, Cody Tickle tries, Doring 2gls).
Second Grade: DUNGOWAN 22 (Bernard West, Steven Donovan, Lachlan McDonald, William Milsom tries, Donovan 3gls) d MOREE 18 (Jack Miller, Jahleel Duncan, Steven McIntosh tries, Adrian Smith 3gls).
Words: Geoff Newling
Image: Bill Poulos
