MOREE Boomerangs created a little piece of club history when they beat Inverell Hawks 56-18 in yesterday’s Group 19 first grade grand final at Burt Jovanovich Oval.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Boomerangs had never won back to back first grade premierships before and celebrated with an eight try to four second-half demolition of the Hawks.
Down 8-6 early in the first half, the Boomerangs responded to lead 16-8 at half- time and then kick away to record their 38-point win.
They had also won the second grade grand final with a 36-10 win over Glen Innes Magpies earlier in the day.
Uralla Tigers had started a double day for the two clubs when they won the Ladies League Tag with a 12-6 victory over Ashford Roosters and then accounted for Goondiwindi Boars 24-12 in the U18s.
The Boomerangs though were the big winners, going back to back in first grade for the first time in their club history, Boomerangs coach Chris Binge said.
“Inverell tired late in the game whereas our boys were all 100 per cent,” he said.
“It’s a piece of history to go back to back for the first time but we want to challenge ourselves and get even better.
“We want to improve our standard which would be great for us and Moree.”
Boomerangs skipper Jamie Sampson was elated.
“Back to back is unreal,” Sampson said.
“It’s been the best year ever.”
Early on though it didn’t look too good for the Boomies.
Wayne Swan had scored an early try for the home side but then the Hawks got mobile and swooped to score twice for an 8-6 lead.
Rod Bull scored the first to finish off a sustained period of attack for the Hawks.
Then big Luke Vakatini charged over wide out to make it 8-6.
A Jason Saunders long-range try turned the game and then the Boomies got a lucky decision with a charge-down and replacement Willy Fernando crossed for a 16-8 halftime lead.
Inverell stuck with the Boomies to trail 22-14 in the second half but then fell off as the home side bounced clear.
A disappointed Hawks coach, Peter Stevens, rued some costly mistakes.
“I thought we were right in it at halftime,” Stevens said.
“We missed a try in the corner just before the break too but then they put us to the sword in the second half.
“We made too many mistakes in the second half.
“But we’ve come a long way this year.
“No one gave us a chance at the start of the season but we made a grand final.
“ We’ve got to be happy with that.”
