By SARAH STEWART
Thrilling victories at Gunnedah Rugby Park on Saturday had the crowd on its feet as the women’s 10s and men’s third grade teams triumphed over the Moree Bulls.
In an electrifying first match, the third grade Red Devils men secured a high-scoring win against the Bulls and with many players, including club president, Bruce Hockings, coming out of retirement, it was a crowd favourite.
Tries were scored by George Toalepai, Ed Howarth, Kalen Southwell, Iosefo Mikaele (2), and Oliver Neader, who also contributed four conversions to his two tries.
The Gunnedah Red Devils women’s 10s team also emerged victorious, defeating the Moree Bulls 31-17. The Moree women matched the Red Devils try for try, and the score was tied at 17-all at three-quarter time.
In front of a home crowd, the Red Devils fought hard and with five minutes remaining on the clock, Holly Ford crossed the line for the fourth time for the day and with Peta Lawrence’s conversion, Gunnedah took the lead.
The Moree women continued to fight and kept the crowd on the edge of their seats. It wasn’t until the final minute of the game that the Red Devils could breathe a sigh of relief. With a few monumental runs from Torika Nadruku and the other Gunnedah forwards, second rower Dima Ranamalo charged from behind the ruck and crossed the line, scoring her first try this season and securing the win for the Devils. Peta Lawrence added to the scoreline with her third conversion of the day, taking the score to 31-17.
Despite their efforts, the Gunnedah first and reserve grade teams couldn’t overcome the dominant Moree Bulls, who are currently top of the ladder in both grades.
The reserve grade match ended 64-19 in favour of the Bulls, with tries from Matt Hannay, Hamish Hockings, and a penalty try for the Red Devils. The first grade men displayed relentless perseverance but were defeated 40-0.
This coming Saturday, Gunnedah will host the Scone Brumbies, with the women’s game kicking off at 12.50pm. To celebrate the club’s diversity and proud cultural connections to the Pacific Islands, the Gunnedah Rugby Club is hosting its annual Island Night, featuring island-themed dress code and live performances. Island Night will start at 6pm following the match day presentation, which everyone is welcome to attend.
John Waugh looks to offload the ball in the third grade match.
Oliver Neader contributed four conversions to his two tries.
Holly Ford fights off two Moree players in the women’s match. Ford crossed the line four times in the match. Photos by Lucy Saddler
George Toalepai heads for the line in a third grade victory over Moree.
