MOREE dulled the Lions’ roar in front of a big crowd at Quirindi Rugby Park on Saturday but were made to earn the points by a rejuvenated and spirited home side.
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The Lions were celebrating their 60th and produced a performance befitting the occasion, pushing the Bulls to 18-8.
It was a far cry from the lop-sided affairs of their last few meetings and, while closer than coach Simon Hall would have liked, not as nerve-racking as the last few weeks.
“We played probably the best we’ve played in a few weeks so that was pleasing,” Hall said.
They only led 8-3 at half-time but Hall felt like they were in control most of the game.
“We controlled the field position,” he said.
“That was a big advantage.”
“We would have liked to finish a few more points off but we felt like we took a step forward.”
They started both halves a lot better than they have been.
“Our set piece was a lot better,” Hall said.
“We controlled the lineout a lot better than we have the last few weeks.”
They were also a lot more effective at the ruck, which meant they were able to recycle the ball and get a bit of continuity.
The injection of Mick Hockey midway through the second half for the Lions did change the complexion of the game a bit, Hall said.
He straightened the play up for the Lions and asked a few more questions of the Bulls’ defence.
But they were up to the task.
Matt Wannan was again their best at number eight.
Centres Alex Corlis and Angus Boileau also had good games as did Dave Silversides in the front row.
The Lions were chasing three in a row and, while disappointed not to get the win, there was a sense of gratification.
They’ve endured their share of heavy defeats at the Bulls’ hands in recent years.
“It was an encouraging loss,” co-coach Nick Rees said.
“We’ll take a lot out of that game. Moree have been one of the top teams for the past 10 years.”
After conceding in excess of 50 points the last two times they’ve played the Bulls, to keep them to 18 was a great turnaround.
He didn’t really feel like the Bulls dominated them anywhere.
“We were very happy with how we played,” he said.
“We always felt we were in that game.”
It was more their mistakes.
“We knocked on a lot,” Rees said.
Their lineout also didn’t function well.
“They had a very good lineout,” he said.
“They stole a lot of our lineouts and they got good quick ball.”
But they scrummaged well and their defence was good.
Rees believed the big crowd did help them.
He gave one example about 20 minutes into the game when Tom Tanner made a try-saving tackle down the sideline after a Bulls player had made a 60m break.
“The crowd went wide. They were yelling and screaming,” Rees said.
That kind of support really spurred them on.
Jake Murray was great again at inside centre and scored a superb individual try to make it 18-8.
Rees and outside centre James Clift shared the other two points.
