MOREE Boars reserve-grade training sessions have been described as ‘next-level’ by team manager Charlie Shearer, and the in-form outfit took that fitness to Kitchener Park on Sunday to beat Gunnedah Bulldogs 40-6 in a game marred by three sin-bins to Gunnedah.

Junior Boars Charlie Grant and Thomas Bell stepped up from a full 80 minutes with under-18s, with Grant scoring in the corner.

Brothers Dereik and Latrel Newman – coach Alf Newman’s nephews – each scored two tries, with Latrel enduring a rare off day on the boot, kicking one goal from nine attempts.

Moree tries went to centre Stanley Smith, winger Steven Le Milliere, half-back Jamal Woodbridge and centre David Annis-Brown, who later ran on with Boars first-grade.

Gunnedah’s sole try in the 20th minute went to Chris Holliday, converted by Bailee Crowe.

Half-back Trent White, winger AJ King and full-back Charlie Lawrence were sinbinned.

Moree reserves’ team manager, Charlie Shearer, who co-coaches with Alf Newman, said the team ran onto Kitchener Park knowing they had a tough game ahead, but were confident after exceptional training sessions during the week.

“Leading into the week, the boys trained the best they have so far this season and myself and Alf knew something special was coming,” Shearer said.

And that’s exactly what happened, with Moree running in nine tries to one.

“It’s all come off the back of every player in our team turning up for each other,” Shearer said.

Moree Boars reserve-grade coaches Alf Newman and Charlie Shearer at home ground Boughton Oval this week.

“I personally can’t give enough credit to our lads or pick one stand-out player, as all 19 were stars on Sunday.

“They completed sets, didn’t get caught up in the niggle of the game and played simple footy – outstanding footy – and that’s all Alf and I have ever asked of them.

“Again, we ended our game with a couple of injuries which is unfortunate, but we are all behind those boys and can’t wait for them to return.”

Forward Luke Hobday suffered a broken thumb and will miss some games.

Shearer also welcomed Richard Smith and Steven Le Milliere back to the fold.

“Richo has returned to the paddock, and it’s nice to have an older head in the game – and he didn’t miss a beat,” Shearer said.

“Steven has returned on the wing and boy, does he have speed to burn.

“Dereik Newman also dropped back a grade and proved he has what it takes to play good, hard footy.”

Shearer also praised juniors Charlie Grant and Thomas Bell, who stepped up from their 16-12 win against the Bulldogs in under-18s.

“Charlie and Thomas played pretty much a full game of juniors – who got their first win for the season – and played big minutes for us in reserve-grade,” Shearer said.

“Again, they proved they have what it takes to play up a grade when needed.”

Grant and Bell shared the three player points, with two points to Stanley Smith and one point to Jamal Woodbridge.

“These were tough to give as coaches, and we both wish we could’ve given points to everyone,” Shearer said.

“All of our boys in the middle kept trucking the ball up and defended so well, and when we went wide we looked unstoppable.

“Our defence was a strong part of our game, keeping Gunnedah to one try.”

Despite the 40-6 scoreline, Shearer said the match was by no means a stroll across Kitchener Park.

“Gunnedah kept turning up, but to our credit we were the better team on the day,” Shearer said.

He also congratulated Jackson Shearer and David Annis-Brown for making their first-grade debuts for Moree Boars.

“David and Jackson are two lads who deserve it,” Shearer said.

“Alf and I are happy with everything – we’ve won two games and drawn one so far from three rounds – and can’t wait to see what the boys have in store for us for the rest of the season,” he said.

At this weekend’s Magic Round at Tamworth’s Scully Park, Moree Boars first-grade play Dungowan Cowboys at 1pm on Saturday, with Moree’s unbeaten ladies tackle team playing the Cowboys at 7pm.

Words and Image: Bill Poulos