Boggabri’s Group 4 rugby league campaign ended in week one of the finals series, as the Kangaroos went down 32-22 to the Werris Creek Magpies in a fluctuating semi-final at David Taylor Oval last Sunday.
The Kangaroos scored two of the first three tries, only for the Magpies to finish with six tries to four.
The result was nevertheless in doubt until the dying seconds, when the final try put the margin beyond Boggabri’s reach.
A try to Cody Parry gave the Magpies a 4-0 lead, before a great kick from Boggabri’s Ash White turned the tide.
Werris Creek’s fullback fielded the kick, but stepped on the sideline.
From near the tryline soon afterwards, Matt Avendano received a pass and spun over the line.
Boggabri’s Isaiah Adams broke through to score behind the uprights and set up a 12-4 lead, but the Magpies regained the lead with back-to-back tries.
Werris Creek’s third try came when the Kangaroos turned over possession in their red zone, with Parry scooping up the loose ball and scampering away for the simplest of tries.
The Magpies faltered from the kick-off as the ball was allowed to bounce over the sideline, and Boggabri promptly took advantage. From the scrum, a set play led to Esava Nadalo crossing in the left corner for a 16-14 lead with half-time approaching.
Werris Creek second-rower Isaah Millgate produced a spectacular individual effort in the second half. He took a pass in his own territory, and made a long break while bumping off Boggabri’s fullback on his way to the tryline.
The Magpies moved ahead 26-16, before a converted try to Boggabri’s Nick Millar set up a tense final 10 minutes. From a penalty tap, Millar ran onto the ball and made a mockery of the defence.
Boggabri quickly returned to the attack, but then an intercept was thrown before the Magpies fumbled at dummy-half.
With full-time looming, Werris Creek’s halfback feigned to pass from dummy-half before veering left and scooting through some non-existent defence to score beneath the uprights.
Boggabri’s reserve graders were also knocked out of premiership contention, as they were beaten 22-20 by the Dungowan Cowboys.
The Kangaroos led 20-4 at half-time, and then extra time loomed when the score stood at 20-all before the Cowboys grabbed victory with a late penalty goal to captain-coach Nicholas Syron.
