Gritty win for Red Devils against Bulls

The Gunnedah Red Devils remained on top of the Central North Rugby Union (CNRU) ladder after defeating the then second-placed Moree Bulls 25-12 at Gunnedah Rugby Park last Saturday.

It was a far cry from the 45-28 defeat which the Bulls inflicted on the Red Devils at Moree’s home ground in the season-opening round back on April 26.

Last Saturday’s outcome was somewhat misleading, nevertheless, considering the Bulls led 12-10 at half-time before the Red Devils clung to an insecure 17-12 lead with 10 minutes remaining.

There wasn’t a lot of free-flowing football throughout the game as a gritty forward battle unfolded for the most part, with neither set of forwards taking a backward step.

The Bulls had a couple of chances to score in the first 10 minutes, but they were unable to find the finishing touch.

The opening points came unexpectedly in the 12th minute as a high downfield kick from Gunnedah’s Adrian Burl took an unpredictable bounce, with Asivorosi Turagalevu pouncing on the ball and breaking away for an unconverted try.

Moree gained momentum and forced its way towards Gunnedah’s tryline, with Asesela Ravuvu touching down for a converted try which put the visiting side ahead 7-5.

A run of penalties went Gunnedah’s way, before the hosts muscled their way towards the tryline. They were rewarded as Joe Tuiyawa touched down, only for Moree to reply again.

The Bulls bombed a try when the ball was fumbled right on the tryline, but the team maintained the pressure before a couple of clever unloads set up a five-pointer for Mitchell Adams.

The pendulum shifted back and forth in the second half, before the Red Devils struck as Will Chaffey scored another forward’s try from close range. A fine sideline conversion from Burl gave the hosts a five-point lead in the 57th minute.

Following further pendulum swings, the Red Devils peppered Moree’s tryline before a penalty goal stretched the margin to eight points with just under 10 minutes left.

Chaffey was yellow-carded with a shade over five minutes left, and then Moree’s Angus Roberts left the field with blood flowing from his head wound.

Despite being a player short, the Red Devils virtually sealed the result in the final three minutes as Turagalevu backed up in support to score his second try of the day.

The hosts finished the match two players short as Lachy Mack was yellow-carded after a scuffle broke out in the dying stages.

Red Devils captain Tim McDermott credited fellow forwards Chaffey, Ben Hamparsum and Lachlan McArthur, with McDermott saying they “really stepped up and won the physical battle”.

McDermott said the result showed how much the Red Devils had improved since round one, while the defence “was really gutsy”.

“It was very physical today and I thought we aimed up to them really well,” he said.

“They’ve been the benchmark in the comp in the last couple of years with the premierships they’ve won, so it was really good to be able to match them today and then to come away with the win was really pleasing.”

McDermott said the Bulls “stuck it to us the whole time” while at no stage did the Red Devils feel they were as many as 13 points in front.

“It’s really pleasing to see us improving week to week, and there’s a huge amount of belief in the club,” he said.

“We’re starting to get really connected, so every week we feel like we’re playing better and better footy.

“The coaches, supporters and everyone are believing we can really give it a crack this year.”

The Red Devils reserve graders meanwhile went down 31-26, having trailed 31-12 before successive converted tries made the result seem close.

This Saturday the Red Devils host the Narrabri Blue Boars, who will field a third grade side as well as first grade, reserve grade and women’s teams.