EVEN non-playing coach Carl Press got in on the act when Uralla Tigers celebrated their first win since their return to the Group 19 first grade ranks with a 54-30 win over Moree Boars on Saturday.
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The 45-year-old Press left the retirement bench to slot into the front row when his starting prop went down with injury after 20 minutes.
“We lost our prop so I had to play,” Press laughed.
“It’s pretty tough on this 45-year-old body. We had four Presses out there too – my sons Cameron and Jordan and nephew Sam Press.
“But we are happy just to be back in first grade and being competitive.
“We’d been scoring 30 to lose games so winning today was good for us.
“And we are a small team.
“We’ve been getting steamrolled in the first half by the bigger sides.”
But some of the young Tigers can motor.
Fullback Alister Faulkner scored three tries, alternating between fullback and centre with equally as impressive Jordan Press.
Five-eighth Fred Campbell is still eligible for Under 18s, as are Sam and Jordan Press and they all came on to help run the Boars ragged.
Halfback Lewis Ahoy is also fleet-footed and his lightning darts around the ruck had the big Boars pack backpedalling.
“We’ve got speed to burn,” Carl Press said.
“It’s great to watch – half a break and the kids are gone.”
Press would prefer watching it from the bench though.
He was also delighted to have some of the “uni students back”.
“Zac Brown (Wingham Tigers) is in his second year at UNE and goes well at hooker,” Press added.
“He got our club points. Jack Mooney (prop) is another who goes well too.”
Uralla sits sixth on the nine-team Group 19 first grade ladder and has a tough trip to Glen Innes this Saturday to tackle the table-topping Magpies.
Reigning premiers, Moree Boomerangs, coming off a bye, host Armidale on Saturday and Inverell Hawks are at home to Tingha Tigers in a huge local derby at Varley Oval on Saturday as well.
Moree Boars and Goondiwindi Boars have a “Boaring” derby battle at Boughton Oval, Moree on Sunday.