Last Saturday’s 23-17 victory against the Quirindi Lions at a waterlogged Quirindi Rugby Club venue enabled the Gunnedah Red Devils to book a home semi-final while securing the Central North Rugby Union (CNRU) minor premiership.
With the visitors having the abovementioned incentives while the hosts sought to remain in contention for a top two spot, the teams scored three tries each while the boot of James Perrett made a key difference.
Two penalty goals to Perrett enabled the Red Devils to maintain a useful lead in the slushy conditions, before a last-gasp five-pointer to the Lions made the outcome appear tight.
While the field was extremely muddy, Red Devils captain Tim McDermott said it held up very well which was a testament to the ground staff volunteers.
Ball handling was unsurprisingly tricky although both teams retained possession for long periods, while the conditions set the scene for a forward-dominated contest.
The Red Devils still sought to play up tempo, with the back three often electing to run in counterattack rather than kick which put Gunnedah on the front foot.
Gunnedah-based Quirindi second-rower Tom Wilson had a strong game for the Lions, as did Hamish Dunbar and Calavassy brothers Daniel and Pat, but Gunnedah’s forwards seemingly had the edge.
Gunnedah’s forward pack worked tirelessly to secure possession and dominate the collisions, while a strong set piece was a major factor in the victory. Lachie McArthur was voted as the best of the Red Devils, following a commanding performance in the scrum and around the field.
Gunnedah co-coach Matt Roseby said the Red Devils rose to the occasion with a relentless display of physicality and teamwork.
Roseby said their composure and discipline set them apart from their opponents while the match was characterised by tough defence, strong carries and tactical kicking, as both teams grappled with the elements.
“This victory not only underlines the Red Devils’ consistency throughout the season, but also serves as a powerful statement of intent as they enter the finals series,” he said.
“From a coach’s perspective, it was very pleasing to see the patience of our forward pack on a day better suited to ducks.
“Our set piece was again solid given the conditions, with Jack Inder and Tim McDermott securing important line-out ball on our own goal-line and in good attacking position.
“Lachie McArthur, Ben Hamparsum and Will Chaffey worked hard at scrum time and were relentless in their ball carries, which gave our backline front foot ball.
“Our bench players were again pivotal in continuing the team’s momentum, with Josh Leys and Giordan Patea lifting the intensity in defence just before the half-time break and into the second half.”
Although the game wasn’t conducive to expansive play, Roseby said the backs adapted well and made the most of limited space and time when called upon.
Another feature was the refereeing of former Red Devils player John McKay, who showed composure and exercised sound judgement to make sure the players decided the result.
There were no points in the first 25 minutes while the teams exchanged blows and became soaked in mud, before the Red Devils broke through.
Following a scrum 10 metres out, Gunnedah inside centre Junior Nasilivata crashed through multiple would-be tacklers and showed sheer determination to crash over for a converted try.
A penalty goal stretched the scoreline to 10-0, before the Lions pressured Gunnedah’s tryline and halved the margin as Wilson crossed from close range.
Wilson’s try appeared vital with half-time looming, but the Red Devils struck an even bigger blow right on half-time.
Zac Newcombe produced a sniping run close to the line, before putting a rampaging Hamparsum through a hole to crash over and reinstate the 10-point lead.
The Lions were rocked at the same time, as Edward Nankivell was yellow-carded following repeated infringements from the home side.
Gunnedah’s one-player advantage didn’t last long, as Ray Spradbrow was issued a yellow card less than five minutes into the second half.
The second half was more of a gladiatorial nature and a war of attrition, as the players slogged away in the rain while the field became more of a quagmire.
The next points were scored shortly after Spradbrow’s return, when Quirindi’s Matt Anderson plunged over the tryline from close range.
Gunnedah held a skinny 15-12 lead when Tom Clare landed the conversion, before an unconverted try to Lachy Mack made it 20-12 with 11 minutes remaining.
Perrett’s second penalty goal a few minutes later increased the margin to 11 points, before Pat Calavassy drove his way across the tryline from less than a metre out in the dying stages.
Gunnedah’s Cameron Mitchell was yellow-carded, but time ran out for the Lions.
In addition to guaranteeing themselves the minor premiership and a home semi-final, the Red Devils retained the Kookaburra Cup for another week and also retained the JK Carter Memorial Cup after pipping the Lions 34-33 earlier in the season.
The Red Devils are now eight points clear of the second-placed Moree which is two points ahead of Narrabri while Quirindi is one point behind Narrabri.
With the second- and third-placed teams facing off this Saturday, the winner will contest Gunnedah in the major semi-final on August 23.
In reserve grade, the last-placed Red Devils scored three tries in their 45-19 loss to the second-placed Lions.
The last round before finals is scheduled for this Saturday, with Gunnedah to host the bottom-placed Tamworth Pirates while the Red Devils have their sponsors day.
People are requested to check the Gunnedah Rugby Club’s social media page in case there are changes due to local flooding.
