Quirindi played Moree in two grades on saturday, in front of a large crowd who were not disappointed with two outstanding games between old rivals.
The showers eased as both Reserve Grade teams tested others strengths, with the score locked at 7-7 after the first 20 minutes. Quirindi were then locked in their own 25 as Moree intensified the attack. The Quirindi defence held solid for 10 minutes before Moree eventually broke through to score, to lead 7-12.
In the second half Moree showed their experience and ran out winners 7-43, but the score was not a reflection of how competitive the Quirindi team were. Many players backed up as reserves for first grade, gaining valuable experience and proving they are more than up to the task.
Three points went to Sam Avard at hooker, 2 to the consistent Hayden Size, and 1 to James Anderson in the front row. The players player was voted to be Morgan Murtargh.
First grade were coming off a narrow loss to Narrabri last week, with only a few player changes. Proud new father Jake Murray slotted into the five eight role and newly wed James Clift returned to the centres.
The Moree backs were immediately caught offside and the locals took the shot at goal to lead 3-0. Quirindi constantly dropped ball and squandered territory in the greasy conditions for the next 20 minutes, allowing the Moree five eight to slice through our defence and score beside the posts. Moree lead 3-7.
Quirindi kept their heads and went back on the attack as they adapted to the conditions. Tom Koerstz kicked to the corner and Tom Fuller was held back when he looked a good chance to score. A Quirindi scrum feed 5 meters out allowed Quirindi to score beside the posts, but alas, it was called back for a knock on. Our forward pack started to dominate, with the constant pressure being rewarded with another 5 meter scrum feed. Several phases of Quirindi attack by both the forwards and backs eventually stretched the opposition defence, allowing Hayden Size to score beside the posts. An easy conversion had us in the lead 10-7.
The local boys had the best of the play for some time, but handling errors at crucial moments prevented them from scoring. Moree showed why they have been consistently one of the top teams in recent years and after winning their scrum feed on our 25, created an overlap to score in the corner. The conversion attempt missed and the half time score had Moree leading 10-12.
Moree came out firing after the break and immediately pressured our line. A quick penalty tap allowed Moree to charge through the ruck and score. Again the kick missed, but Moree were in front 18-24. The Bulls didn’t back off and were immediately back in our 25. A penalty against Quirindi for going over the ball saw them push it out to 18-27.
The Quirindi team weren’t giving up that easily and hit back straight away. Running it wide into the far corner, Tom Grant, the Quirindi number eight, cleverly held back a pass then cut inside to score himself 23-27 and the crowd could sense this game going right down to the wire.
By now the local forward pack were dominating and Hayden Size managed to cross the line close to the ruck. The kick bounced off the uprights but we were in front 28-27 with seven minutes to go. We hadn’t beaten Moree for over ten years and we may as well have shut the bar as no one was leaving their seat.
Quirindi stole the ball from the lineout and kicked to touch on the Moree 25. We were given the throw in and put it to good use, moving play to centre field. Angus Mckenzie picked up a loose ball in the breakdown and ran 10 meters to score untouched under the posts. Will Scholes had no trouble kicking this one to make it 35-27 as the hooter went off.
A memorable win and it would be unfair to single out individuals. The entire team showed great maturity and composure and were well supported by very able replacements off the bench.
3 points went to the everywhere man Tom Grant, 2 to Alex Knight in the second row, and 1 to Tom Fuller on the wing. Tom Koerstzs’ tactical kicking was outstanding.
Next week we play Gunnedah away and will field a womens team as well if we can find just a few more players. See you there!