MOREE Boars piled on the second-half points against Wee Waa Panthers in the Group 4 first-grade rugby league competition at Boughton Oval on Sunday – but the Panthers showed plenty of grit and determination after fielding just 12 players for the entire game.

The Boars ran out winners 64-24, but the scoreboard belied the Panthers’ tenacity.

Moree charged to a 16-nil lead after 14 minutes, thanks to tries from prop Jack Mitchell, winger Latrel Newman and centre Jake Tighe, with two conversions from Adrian Smith.

Shortly after, prop Daniel Howe and hooker Cameron Rodgers crossed to increase Moree’s lead.

But tries to Wee Waa late in the first half to winger Chris Clark, with a perfect conversion from the sideline by Clifford Toomey Junior, and full-back Toby Knight – who converted his own try – brought the half-time score to 26-12 and just the hint of a boilover.

Moree coach Jack Durheim, playing his first game back after being sidelined for several weeks with a hamstring injury, said Moree was “clunky” and lacked the right attitude.

But in their defence, he said, there were at least six regular players missing from Sunday’s team.

“Wee Waa showed up today – and we probably didn’t show up with the right attitude,” Durheim said.

“We had a handful of players out as well, but were a little bit clunky and didn’t put our best foot forward.

“Sometimes, when you play a team where you’re expected to win, you just don’t show up with the right attitude,” he said.

“But in saying that, we rested at least six regular first-graders and managed to get some game time for a few blokes who haven’t had the opportunity.”

Second-half tries to full-back Adrian Smith, winger Dereik Newman, co-coach Jamie Sampson, a second to Jake Tighe and another two to Jack Mitchell sealed the game for the Boars.

Durheim was pleased with his first game back after several weeks, while Jamie Sampson left the field about 15 minutes from full-time through injury.

“That was my first game back, and it went all right I think,” Durheim said.

“It felt good, and it was good to get some match-fitness in. I was happy with that.

“I think Jamie suffered a cork, a bit of a contact injury. He should be right – nothing to stress about.

“Other than Alex Barker, we should have a full contingency back on board against Werris Creek next week,” Durheim said.

Wee Waa Panthers, also forced to forfeit the reserve-grade match at the weekend because of a lack of numbers, played their hearts out in first-grade.

Kyle Trindall, who coaches the first-grade team with his brother Lachlan, was proud of all players.

“We had to pull reserve-grade, which is pretty sad, but this (result against Moree) is unbelievable for the 12 blokes who turned up today, especially against an outfit like the Boars,” Trindall said.

“The boys worked and played for each other today, which we’ve sort of lacked this season so far.

“I can’t wait to get into the sheds and congratulate them,” he smiled.

In other Group 4 first-grade games at the weekend, Werris Creek Magpies defeated Dungowan Cowboys, 48-8, at Dungowan Recreation Ground; North Tamworth Bears prevailed 20-12 against Gunnedah Bulldogs; and Boggabri Kangaroos outgunned Kootingal Roosters, 48-6, at Jubilee Oval.

Next Saturday, Moree Boars travel to Werris Creek for a top-of-the-table clash against the Magpies at David Taylor Oval.