THE Moree Bulls capped a memorable Central North round one with a hard-fought first-grade win against Gunnedah Red Devils, 45-28, at Weebolla rugby grounds on Saturday.

Club president, David Watts, said the opener was always set to be a great day of rugby.

“Players, officials and spectators were eager to see the start of the season,” Watts said.

In first-grade, the Bulls took an early 12-nil against the Devils courtesy of tries to Jack Slack and Mitch Adams.

Gunnedah fought back with tries to James Perrett and Kolinio Nakarawa to go into the break with a 14-12 lead.

“This match was always set up to be a very tough fixture for both teams,” Watts said.

“The game’s intensity was at a high throughout the match, leading to Gunnedah crossing over twice before half-time.”

Moree regrouped and resumed strongly, with Mitch Copeman crossing the line three minutes into the second half.

The game swayed either way, with Gunnedah crossing for two more tries, but Moree prevailed with some dazzling plays that saw tries to Hamish Cannington, Asesela Ravuvu (two) and Will Brooks, who showed great speed and agility to run 60 metres and score.

Ben Williams finished the match with five goals.

Players from Moree and Gunnedah, club officials and spectators stood silently to acknowledge Anzac Day as well as Moree Bulls clubman, Michael Boland, who passed away during the off season (Image Supplied).

Moree coach Mick Grant was a happy man to get the win at home at his first year as coach.

“The forward pack worked tirelessly all game, and this allowed the backs to finish with the tries,” Grant said.

“The backs’ set play worked well, but there is still lots of work to do over the next two weeks.”

Best and Fairest points went to Angus Smith (3), Angus Roberts and Lachlan Elworthy (2), with one point to Hamish Cannington.

Bulls’ second-grade team was led out by Jackson Fernance, and went on to pummel Gunnedah Red Devils, 96-10.

“The Moree boys set themselves a goal to start the game strong, and that’s what they did – and continued to do so throughout the game,” David Watts said.

Moree put on a clinical display of rugby, giving the big home crowd plenty to cheer about.

Moree scored 14 tries, with Brad Fernance crossing four times. Alex Roseby kicked 11 goals.

“Moree coaches, Jake Cutcliffe and Tony O’Donnell, were very happy with the result but said they need to remain level-headed moving into the season,” Watts said.

“Everything came together but there is still plenty of work to be done this early in the season.”

Best and Fairest went to Brad Fernance (3), Paddy Keady (2) and Joe Ticehurst (1).

Moree women’s side was beaten 42-10 by a much-bigger Gunnedah team.

“The Moree girls never gave up, and showed some great resilience with Alexandra Marchand and Bernadette Quirk crossing for tries,” Watts said.

“Coach Kat Hinton was pleased with how our girls matched up against the Gunnedah side, with lots of positives coming from the game,” Watts said.

“It has given the team lots to work with in the coming weeks. They are a young side with a lot of potential,” he said.

Prior to the commencement of all games, teams, club officials and spectators stood silently to acknowledge Anzac Day and the men and women who fought and died to maintain the freedom Australia enjoys.

Watts said the opening round also honoured the late Michael Boland, who passed away during the off season.

“Micheal was a great clubman and is missed greatly. Teams formed in front of the crowd and held one minute’s silence as John Brassell played bagpipes,” Watts said.

Moree Bulls second-grade and women’s team travel to Barraba on Saturday with Moree’s next home game on Saturday, May 10, against Tamworth Pirates.