Barraba loss in the rugby final
Rugby Report
The Barraba Rams travelled to Gunnedah on Saturday to do battle with the Moree Bulls in the final to see who would go on to the Grand Final. The Rams started strongly with some early pressure close to the Bulls line which incurred a penalty to the Rams, Clarke converted to a 3-0 lead.
Barraba scrum was the dominator in the early clashes pushing Moree off the ball or giving the half back lead ball, but a penalty against the Rams evened the score at 3 all.
Moree attacked from the kick off, a solid tackle from McKenna stopped a good back line raid, but a tap penalty to the Bulls saw them get over the line under the posts only to be held up, McKenna cleared with a good kick.
The Rams made a 50 metre run by the backs to get into the red zone of Moree, but could not finish the move. They continued to attack, but 2 injuries to J. Mallise and J. Robinson saw a couple of changes made to the scrum and that allowed Moree to win a tight head scrum and put pressure on the Rams defence, until a line kick was gathered by Moree who allowed the Bulls 5/8th to score near the posts and the conversion saw Moree 10 Barraba 3 with 5 minutes to half time.
The Bulls scored again before the end of the half for 20-3 lead, making the task for the rams a bit harder. Being in their first final for the players may be a factor, they seemed to be off the boil, after 2 excellent games prior to that and gave away numerous penalties for creeping up in defence too quickly which hurt them. A penalty to Moree saw a 20-3 score line.
The Rams started the second half strongly kicking a penalty to the line close to Bulls try line, but were unable to cross the line after numerous attempts. A clearing kick enabled Moree to get out of the danger zone.
Further pressure by the Rams saw them awarded a penalty and a Bulls player given a yellow card, ten in the bin, a line kick saw the Bulls win the lineout and clear upfield to relieve the pressure.
From the lineout the Bulls applied plenty of pressure through their forwards to see their backs make ground and finally cross for a try and conversion 30-3.
With 5 minutes remaining W Kelly was sent onto play on the wing and with the first touch of the ball sprinted down the touchline to score in the corner. McKenna failed with the conversion. Final score 30-8.
The team can be pleased, but disappointed not going further but making the final. One step better than last year and creating much pleasure for the supporters who showed up all season and also the very generous sponsors. Well done boys.
The women’s game, Narrabri Boars defeated Pirates 22-12 and play Gunnedah in the Grand Final
First Grade saw Moree defeat Gunnedah 37-29 in a solid game.
Reserve Grade Grand Final will be Pirates v Moree, all games at Pirates.