REIGNING Group 4 first-grade premiers Moree Boars made a statement on Sunday when walloping Dungowan Cowboys 52-4 away from home.

The clinical win put the Boars in a clear third on the Group 4 first-grade competition ladder with 14 points, three behind Werris Creek Magpies and one point behind Boggabri Kangaroos.

“It was a great day, and the score didn’t reflect the physicality of the game,” Boars captain-coach Jamie Sampson said.

“The game was tough until the 80th minute. We had to shuffle the team around late, due to some men being unavailable.”

Fullback Lachie McGrady planted the ball three times, with individual tries going to wingers Jake Tighe and Adrian Smith, captain Jamie Sampson, prop Daniel Howe, second rower Brent McDonald and interchange Cody Picker, who stepped up from a full game in reserve-grade.

Livewire goal-kicker Adrian Smith only missed one conversion from nine attempts.

Moree Boars under-18s star Tom Bell played reserve-grade against Dungowan on Sunday, before stepping up to first-grade for the first time and playing 20 minutes. He was awarded top player points for his reserve-grade performance (Image: Moree Boars).

Smith also scored the opening try of the game in the ninth minute of play, giving him 20 of the Boars’ 52 points.

Dungowan’s only points were courtesy of a try to centre Jacob Ellis in the opening minutes of the match.

Dungowan led 4-nil after five minutes, but that’s where it ended for the Cowboys.

The Boars’ walk-over win featured plenty of highlights, including the first-grade debut of under-18s star Tom Bell, who also played a pivotal role in reserve-grade’s 32-18 win earlier.

“Young Tom played 20 minutes and held his own,” Sampson said.

“Our middles played some really big minutes and were solid throughout the whole game, and our back five were at their best – defence and ball control was key to our win,” he said.

First-grade club points went to Daniel Howe (3), Lachie McGrady (2) and Brent McDonald (1).

In other Group 4 first-grade matches at the weekend, Boggabri Kangaroos beat North Tamworth Bears 22-14 at Jack Woolaston Oval and Gunnedah Bulldogs overpowered competition leaders Werris Creek Magpies 50-10 at Kitchener Park on Saturday.

On Sunday, Kootingal Roosters beat Wee Waa Panthers 86-24 at Kootingal Sports Ground.

Meanwhile, Moree ladies tackle remain unbeaten this year after beating Dungowan 30-16.

Tara Newman scored two tries for Moree, with Alyssa McGrady, Gabby Suckling, Tileah McGrady, Maddie Martin and Kaya Williams also scoring.

Aleah Peckham kicked one goal.

For Dungowan, Chelsea-Lee Emery scored the opening try, with Shonriqua Hippi crossing twice in the second half.

Moree ladies tackle club points went Jessica Sampson (3), Alyssa McGrady (2), with Tara Newman and Ailyn Seeto each receiving one point.

Moree Boars play at home next Sunday against Kootingal Roosters at the club’s big sponsors’ day, from 11am.