On Saturday the 8th of May Quirindi hosted two strong teams from Inverell in front of a large crowd . These supporters came from far and wide for the “Back to the Club and Family Day” and they witnessed a brilliant day of running and entertaining rugby .
The Reserve grade kicked off at 1.45 with both sides looking as strong as any in the competition . Quirindi boasted a number of very talented young players such as Tom Stinson and Sam Avard and two new recruits , James Wheaton and Isaac Roebuck . These boys all made up a formidable team with the ever reliable regulars .
James Anderson was the first to score a bullocking forwards try in the opening ten minutes , Inverell hit back with 5 converted tries in the middle of the first half using their slick backline . Quirindi never gave up and Isaac Roebuck scored and converted his own try on half time with the score at Quirindi 12 Inverell 36.
After some great half time analysis and great coaching Quirindi came out and and put it up to Inverell to score two more tries to have the score at 24 to 44 when the whistle blew.
The main event was expected to be a cracker and it didn’t disappoint ! Quirindi took to the field wanting to make a statement from the kickoff and that’s exactly what they did with an early try beside the post to young gun Hector Macintyre playing no 7.Inverell hit back quickly with a try to their winger in the corner.The game remained locked at 5 all with both teams trying to dominate in the defence . Quirindi was showing their resilience with a great try to no 8 Tom Grant crashing over and Reilly Beresford converting. Inverell took the opportunity with some rare mistakes in defence to run in two tries to their outside centre and fullback .
Dan Calavassy with some great skills and courage took a run from the 22 to split the Inverell side and scored a brilliant try and Brodie Nankivell converted. When the half time whistle blew the score was 19 Quirindi and 17 Inverell.
Inverells form this year has been very good and they backed themselves to score again in the far corner early in the second half .
From there on though Quirindi dominated with great positional play driving kicks from captain/coach Tom Koerstz deep into the corner . The forwards used the ascendancy to pick and drive at the try line to create overlaps in the backs so that Dan and Reilly could score with Isaac Roebuck converting.This brought the final tally to 33 to 22. A great result for the club and for the fans that received three cheers from all of Quirindi players .
Once again thanks to all the players who were willing to warm the bench to allow the coaching staff make a total of 8 interchanges giving tired players a break so we could keep up the pressure on the opposition.
Players Player for First grade was Hector Macintyre who never stopped all day 3 points Best and Fairest to John Ashley , 2 Hector Macintyre and 1 to Jake Murray and Tom Koerstz
Reserve Grade Players Player went to Sam Brabrook . 3 points Best and Fairest to James Wheaton, 2 points to Tom Stinson, 1 point to.Alex Knight
This Saturday Quirindi hosts The Tamworth Pirates with kick off in Reserve grade at 1.45 pm . This clash will be momentus as we are fighting for spots on the ladder and Pirates are 1 point above Quirindi . Go the mighty LIONS