Same clubs, same venue, same result.
The Gunnedah Bulldogs began their Group 4 rugby league season with a 32-16 loss to the Moree Boars at Boughton Oval last Saturday, after these two clubs had the same outcome at the same place in last year’s grand final.
Despite the coincidences, both teams had a different look about them while Moree scored six tries to four this time, after scoring six to three last time.
The Bulldogs were unable to kick a goal this time, while the goal-kicking from the Boars was wayward too with three of seven attempts going astray.
Gunnedah centre Kurt Fisher scored the opening try in the first three minutes, but it was the visiting team’s only moment of joy in the first half as the hosts moved to a 10-point lead.
Moree fullback Adrian Smith scored an equalising try in the seventh minute, before a double to winger Latrel Newman pushed the Boars out to a 12-4 lead.
Michael Watton landed a penalty goal for Moree on the stroke of half-time, before a try to Gunnedah fullback Dylan Lake cut the margin to a converted try in the early stages of the second half.
A converted try to Dereik Newman gave the Boars a 20-8 lead, only for Gunnedah duo Cley Durrant and Kurt Fisher to score a try each to slash the margin to four points with less than 20 minutes remaining.
Experienced Boars five-eighth Jamie Sampson scored a converted try less than five minutes after Fisher touched down, but the Bulldogs were mathematically in contention almost until the end as the score remained 26-16 for more than 10 minutes.
Latrel Newman sealed the result in the dying stages with his third try of the game, with Watton’s conversion completing the scoring.
Moree was also too good in the reserve grade clash, winning 50-18 after Gunnedah had won the U18 match 50-0.
The women’s tackle match didn’t take place, due to a player shortage.
Following a general bye this weekend, the Bulldogs have their first home match of the season on May 2 when they host the North Tamworth Bears in all four grades.
