MOREE Boars second-grade shone some light on a dismal day at Gunnedah at the weekend, beating the Bulldogs 28-10 – but Moree first-grade and women’s tackle teams suffered their first defeats for the 2026 Group 4 rugby league season.

Boars’ first-grade was routed 48-12 at Kitchener Park, with ladies tackle beaten 22-10.

Second-grade, coached by Charlie Shearer and Alf Newman, carried the Moree banner high.

Centre Jacob Robinson and five-eighth Dwayne Smith again stood tall with two tries each, and captain Luke Hobday and fullback Daniel Smith also ran in four-pointers.

Shearer said Moree started well with a try to Daniel Smith seven minutes into the game.

“But not long after that, Gunnedah hit back with one of their own,” Shearer said.

Moree went to the half-time break leading 10-4.

“I was pretty happy with how our first half went, and thought we could definitely maintain that lead,” Shearer said.

However, one minute into the second half Beau Harry crossed for a Gunnedah try. With the conversion by Ash White successful, the score was 10-all with 25 minutes remaining.

Moree Boars’ second-grade coaches Alf Newman and Charlie Shearer at Boughton Oval earlier this month. Their team carried the flag high for Moree at the weekend, beating Gunnedah Bulldogs 28-10 at Kitchener Park.

“Our boys were focused and determined, and didn’t let the scoreline get to them,” Shearer said.

“We kicked away with four of our own tries, with two goals to Shannon Hippi, to win the game.

“Everyone played terrific footy, our defence was brilliant, the halves’ kicking games were great and our ball-running was even better.

“It was a brilliant team effort, which sits us comfortably at the top of the ladder,” Shearer said.

With six wins and a draw this season, Moree Boars second-grade lead the ladder on 13 points, one ahead of Dungowan Cowboys, with North Tamworth Bears one point away third.

Moree Boars, with 12 points, share top spot on the first-grade ladder with Gunnedah Bulldogs – who lead the for-and-against table – and Werris Creek Magpies, after Sunday’s 48-12 loss to Gunnedah.

Daniel Howe and Latrel Newman scored Moree’s only tries, both in the second half, with Bobby Smith converting both tries.

Moree captain-coach Jack Durheim said playing at Kitchener Park is always a tough gig.

“Gunnedah came to play and were big and strong across the park . . . and then blew us off it,” Durheim said.

“We were down a few troops in key positions and then lost Michael Watton and Joe Wade due to injuries, which didn’t help our cause.

“We are by no means panicking or reinventing the wheel. It was just one of those days where we weren’t good enough and Gunnedah was better.

“We did a lot of defence due to Gunnedah getting repeat sets and that caught up to us. We weren’t able to offer much in attack due to the amount of defence we were doing,” Durheim said.

Moree Boars’ ladies tackle were beaten 22-10, with Moree tries to Delta Swan and Colleen Fernando and one conversion to Trudy Sharpley.

Gunnedah hooker Maddison Rogers led the point-scoring for the Bulldogs with a second-half try and three conversions from four attempts.

Moree hadn’t played in the Group 4 women’s tackle competiton since round five on May 24 when beating Dungowan 12-10, with coach Lorilie Haines saying the four-week gap between games was simply too long.

“Coming off a 4 week break, it was hard to keep players motivated,” Haines said.

“But I’m proud of my team’s effort throughout the game, and we have some work to do going forward.”

With no Group 4 matches this weekend, Moree Boars will again travel to play equal competition leaders Werris Creek Magpies at David Taylor Oval on July 4.

Moree’s next home games at Boughton Oval will be played against North Tamworth Bears on Saturday, July 11.