THERE were a couple of big hits, a quick sidestep or two and plenty of bumps and bruises as the boys in blue took to the rugby league paddock yesterday.
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Officers from every nook and cranny of the Oxley Local Area Command ran on to square off against the boys from Hunter Valley Police.
It was a game full of laughs, a couple of quick runs and a shove here or there, but all in the name of raising money for Police Legacy. The 60-minute game left both sides puffed by the end but the home side advantage worked wonders for the Oxley Cods, who ran in six tries to win 28-8.
Organiser and Cods player Sergeant Josh McKenzie said the side got down to business from the first kick-off.
“They were talking themselves up but we controlled the ball early and put them on the back foot,” he said.
“Our defence was strong from the start and then that gave us a platform to work from.
“Brett Thomas scored two tries – he’s from Gunnedah – and Brook Freeman and Todd Pietrie were also strong in the halves.
“They were probably our best three players.”
Both sides boasted a few seasoned leaguies, a couple of has-beens and even fresh faces.
There were no major injuries, although one Hunter Valley player was taken to hospital after the game for a couple of stitches after he copped a knock to the head.
Acting Oxley Commander, Inspector Jeff Budd made a breakaway or two but admits he’ll be hurting today.
“It was all right ... I can feel the stiffness starting already,” Inspector Budd joked when the game finished.
No doubt there’ll be a few stiff muscles as officers return to work this morning as a fair few ice packs were handed out when the siren sounded.
Hunter Valley Broncos’ coach Peter Robertson said the ride home could be a little tough for a few players.
“Our oldest fella is 51 so he’ll be pretty sore,” Mr Robertson joked yesterday afternoon.
“We put up a pretty good show, I thought.
“We didn’t know what to expect but I know we all thoroughly enjoyed it.
“We’ll take them on again down in the Hunter next year and get them.
“We’re hoping to turn it into an annual event for Legacy.”
The team comprised highway patrol officers, crime management, detectives and general duties from stations spanning Branxton to Willow Tree and Moonan Flat to Cassilis.
Last night the Hunter Police presented a cheque for $10,000 to Police Legacy.
Mr Robertson said it was all thanks to corporate sponsorship from local businesses down their way.
“As well as the boys being energetic with their fundraising,” he said.
The funds come on top of a few thousand dollars from Tamworth businesses who kicked in as well as a raffle of a signed State of Origin Blues jersey which was due to be drawn late last night.
But as they say, what happens on the field stays on the field, with the officers mingling for last night’s official function before watching how the professionals do it in State of Origin.