Last Saturday saw the return of rugby in the Central North and Quirindi traveled to Narrabri for the opening round of the season. With 2nd XV coaches Andy Avard and Rod Grant and 1st XV captain/Coach Tom Keorstz and Col McKenzie doing a great job training a committed and enthusiastic squad of players a terrific day of rugby was anticipated and it didn’t disappoint.
The 2nd XV game was a high quality game with good open rugby and solid defense from both sides. James Anderson and Ed Nankivell led from the front with bone jarring defense ably assisted from the rest of the pack including Jack and Sam Avard and young Harry Gavin who certainly didn’t look out of place given his age.
The backs made the most of their opportunities with Breeza locals Toby and Jack Craig constantly breaking the defense and giving their side good field position due to an excellent kicking game. Dave Southwood and Nick Lewis also stood out with solid defense and attack.
The lead changed several times during the match but unfortunately the clock was our enemy as the game came to an end as we threatened their line.Final score was Narrabri 22, Quirindi 17.
Try scorers were Harry Gavin, Jonah Warkin and Jack Craig with one conversion from Jack Craig.Points 3:Jonah Warkin,2:Jack Craig, 1:Dave Southwood and players player: James Anderson.
The 1st XV game was no different with a quality Quirindi side going up against a Narrabri side already considered to be one of the front runners this year. It wouldn’t have taken Narrabri long to realize that they were in for a much tougher afternoon than they may have expected with the Quirindi men matching them in across park with brutal defense and rucking, particularly from Gus McKenzie and Jock Livingston leading the charge with the rest of a no nonsense pack in close support.
Special mention to George Murray who parked the header up after two spots of rain and made it to Narrabri to play. Can’t comment enough on the commitment our players have for the club and their team mates this year.
The backs were also ready to put their hard training to the test against a quality Narrabri backline and were crisp and sharp with the ball and solid in defense.
Captain Tom Keorstz and Dan Calavassy combined well at 9 and 10 setting up their outside men with good clean ball while Brodie Nankivell and Tom Fuller were a brick wall in defense.
Narrabri went to half time at 12/10 up but it was anyone’s game.
The second half saw the lead change several times until a run of penalties late in the game gave Narrabri good field position where they capitilised into points finally winning the game 34 point to 18.
Two tries to Dan Calavassy with Riley Beresford slotting a conversion and two penalty goals.Points: 3 Gus McKenzie, 2 Brodie Nankiville, 1 John Ashley and players player: Brodie Nankiville.
While the result didn’t go our way on the scoreboard Tom and Col couldn’t have been happier with the way the team played and will use the narrow defeat to spur on the team to believe they are a seriously good rugby team and will be a major contender in the competition this year.
Special thanks to Steph Dunn who made the trip to Narrabri to strap our players, we couldn’t do it without you.
This weekend is our first home game for the year against the Moree Bulls. First game will kick off around 1.30pm with the firsts game scheduled for 3.15pm.
Our players have been training their butts off so please come out to support them on Saturday, they will certainly appreciate it. The ground looks fantastic, the bar will be open from twelve till late and Ali will be cooking up a storm in the canteen so come along for a great afternoon of bush rugby.