MOREE Boars under-18s collared their first Group 4 win of the season when they came from behind to out-muscle Gunnedah Bulldogs 16-12 at Gunnedah’s Kitchener Park last Sunday.

Moree hasn’t fielded an under-18s team for three years, with a new side re-formed this season under coaches Brent McDonald and Joe Wade.

McDonald said at training on Wednesday, the team rallied late in the game with two tries to prop Mack Munro and centre Liam McClure.

“The boys started well, but in the second half had to fight for everything,” Mc Donald said.

“They were pinned down and struggling in their own half for about 20 minutes and kept making errors, but fought back and tackled well.

“They really didn’t get into their own half until late in the game, then went ‘bang-bang’ with two tries and kicked on.

“That was Liam’s first try in footie – the winning try,” McDonald said.

The under-18s started the season with losses – 54-nil to Dungowan Cowboys and 36-8 to Werris Creek Magpies – but were far from disgraced.

“They played the two top teams straight up – had to do it the hard way – and this win is definitely good for them,” McDonald said.

“They played good last week against Werris Creek – didn’t get the win, but played well against a pretty good side – and will only get better.

“It’s good to get that first win out of the way. The boys were pretty happy about it, and it gives them that bit of encouragement, which is what they need after two tough losses,” he said.

“They really had to fight for it, and they stuck in after being behind early and doing it tough. They could’ve put their heads down, but they stuck in and played big minutes.

“They had a good game – I’m proud of them,” McDonald said.

Under-18s coaches Joe Wade (left) and Brent McDonald at training on Wednesday.

In other grades, Boars reserve-grade thumped Gunnedah 40-6, and first-grade were beaten 28-14.

Boars ladies tackle were too strong for Wee Waa Panthers at Boughton Oval last Friday night, winning 62-nil, and are on-song to keep the winning streak going at Tamworth’s Magic Round this weekend against Dungowan Cowboys.

Boars first-grade coach, Jack Durheim, said his team needed to get back to basics, and play “boring” footy.

“We just didn’t complete (sets) or have the discipline in both attack and defence that is going to win us games throughout the season, when everyone is coming for us. Their energy levels are high, and we have to match it,” Durheim said.

“We have to get comfortable playing boring footy, where we complete sets and hold onto the ball.

“The last two weeks, Werris Creek and Gunnedah have come with a lot of energy. We’ve matched it at times, but we’ve gone away from what we need to do – (and) that’s holding onto the football and not giving away penalties,” he said.

Tries went to Jake Tighe, Adrian Smith and Michael Watton, with Smith and Steve McIntosh kicking one goal each.

Durheim said the team was looking forward to this weekend’s Magic Round at Tamworth, where the Boars play Dungowan at Scully Park on Saturday.

“We’re looking forward to it,” Durheim said.

“The boys are keen. We know we can play footy, and we know what we had last year – doing what we do best – is not far off coming back.

“We’ll get into training this week and head to Tamworth for a big 80 minutes, and hopefully we can find our 2024 form,” he said.

“Magic Round is a great concept, with a big crowd watching Group 4 rugby league in amongst the NSW Cup.

“It gives a few of the younger boys in Group 4 their chance to put on good performances in front of some NSWRL Cup teams – you never know who’s there watching.

“I think it’s great for bush footy,” Durheim said.

Boars club president, Todd Mitchell, said Sunday’s under-18s win was well-deserved.

“We haven’t had an under-18s side for a couple of years, and it’s great to see them back on the paddock – and winning,” Mitchell said.

“They had a solid loss the first round, and improved sharply against Werris Creek in the second round.

“We went to Gunnedah, and it doesn’t matter where they sit on the ladder, it’s always tough over there, especially in the under-18s,” he said.

“Gunnedah has always been a bit of a bogie side for Moree under-18s, but we came away with a victory, which is fantastic.

“They came from behind to win as well. It’s great for their confidence, and great for our two coaches, Brent and Joe – they were very excited about winning their first game,” Mitchell smiled.

Mitchell said Sunday’s win also fast-tracked new jerseys for the team.

“They’ve been playing in footy jumpers we got last year, and their new jumpers will turn up next week, ready for their next game,’ Mitchell said.

“They’re a good group of boys, and they’ve got a future in footy ahead of them – they’re nice kids.”

At this weekend’s Magic Round at Tamworth’s Scully Park, Moree first-grade play Dungowan Cowboys at 1pm, Saturday while Moree’s unbeaten ladies tackle team play the Cowboys later the same day at 7pm.

“We’ll get three training sessions in this week to get them ready, and turn up at Tamworth and give it our best shot,” ladies’ coach Chris Swan said.

Words and Image: Bill Poulos

Read about reserve-grade’s win here: No reservations about Boars reserve-grade 40-6 win against Gunnedah

Read about ladies’ tackle win here: Boars ladies impress with 62-nil cakewalk against Wee Waa Panthers