MOREE Bulls’ third-grade hit the paddock for the first time this season at Weebolla Rugby Grounds on Saturday, and found the Pirates too strong, with Tamworth winning 33-15.

Moree club president said the boys were keen to run on.

“Unfortunately, Pirates could only bring 15 players, so we had a 12-a-side match. This gave Moree plenty of subs and coach Sam Webster did just that, ensuring all players got a good hit-out.

“The Tamworth team proved just too big and strong for our young team,” Watts said.

Webster said he was proud of the effort.

“It was just a pleasing to see the boys get a game. It’s tough for them to keep training week in, week out and not run on,” he said.

Moree’s third-grade best were Will Weatherlake (3); Ben Whibley (2); and one point to Steve Le Milliere.

Moree women’s played a 10-a-side match with no reserves against Tamworth, with the game deadlocked 24-all when the final whistle blew.

Moree started strongly with Alexandra Marchand crossing in the first two minutes, and continued to put points on the board with tries to Sienna Moore, Millie Swan and a second to Marchand. Lauren Appleby converted twice.

“As the game progresses, the Pirates hammered the Moree line and scored four tries,” Watts said.

Moree women’s captain Nadia Hulsbos offloads (Image: Zelch Cikota).

Coach Kat Hinton was proud of the team’s performance.

“With no reserves, the game slipped through their fingers and got away from them,” Hinton said.

“I’m super-proud of their efforts, and we can take home a lot of positives from that game.”

Moree’s best was Bernadette Quirk (3); Sienna Moore (2); and one point to Millie Swan.

This weekend sees a general bye, with Country Championships played at Tamworth.

“The club wishes the Central North Men’s and Women’s teams all the best for the weekend, especially Moree players Zoe Maunder, Duncan Woods, Lachlan Elworthy, Angus Roberts, Asesela Ravuvu, Mitch Copeman and Mitch Adams. They’ve all been selected to represent the Central North Zone,” Watts said.

“Also, a big shout-out to Moree’s premiership-winning coach, Jack Travers, who is in charge of the Men’s zone team.”

Moree Bulls next travel to Quirindi on Saturday, May 24 to play the Lions in three men’s grades.