North Tamworth Bears are hoping to honour their many female players and supporters with a Ladies Day win over Gunnedah Bulldogs at Jack Woolaston Oval tomorrow, Saturday July 20.
The Round 14 Whitehaven Coal first grade game is a vital one for the Bears as they sit in a precarious fourth on the table, one point behind second-placed Werris Creek, equal with Kootingal on points but behind on for and against and just a point ahead of fifth-placed Boggabri.
The Bears welcome back Lynken Dickson, Quinton Pomare-Anderson, Liam Ball and flying Fijian winger Senirusi “Bruce” Raque.
“We’ve lost Ethan Collins though (ankle) and Jay Graham will fill in for him again. He played well at Dungowan,” he said of the reserve grade coach.
“Gunnedah are starting to play some good footy too. We only just beat them out there in the first round. They are going to be a dangerous side over these last rounds and could rack up a few wins.”
“They have two good props in KC (Edmonds) and Linc (Lincon Smith) as well as the Hayne boys. Moree might have the minor premiership wrapped up but the rest of us are fighting for second and the chance to go to Moree and may win a grand final berth.”
“Gunnedah are always a tough side for us but we want to celebrate our Ladies Day. We acknowledge how great a job they have done for our club, especially women like Kate Woolaston, Colleen O’Meagher and Rose Wadwell.”
“They were made life members of the club last year and have been so great for the club. They have helped make the club what it is today. We also have our Ladies League Tag side who have been in so many Grand Finals in recent years. “
He said their contribution has been immense as well and helped place the club in such a strong position.
Kootingal Vs Boggabri
Meanwhile, Kootingal Roosters will welcome back Jordan Sharpe and Ben Williams to their lineup for Saturday’s vital First Grade game versus Boggabri.
The two sides are scrapping for a semi-final spot and a loss could be a huge dent in either side’s finals hopes.
However, Kootingal has been dealt a blow, losing injured fullback Jack Rumsby (rib cartilage) and winger Dylan Clarke.
“It’s good having Jordan back, he’s playing five-eighth and Brado (Brayden Jerrard) will play halfback.”
“Rhys Davis will play fullback (in Rumsby’s absence).”
Fijian Esava Nadalo will play wing after he starred in second grade last week, scoring four tries against werris Creek.
“He’s big and strong,” Sheppard said.
“Usually a centre but he’ll play on the wing. He’s strong and fast and confident.”
Sheppard said Saturday’s clash is a huge one for both sides, given their position on the table.
“They’ll come over here keen to knock us off. Round 1 was pretty tight out there (28-22 to Boggabri) but we’ll be ready for them. It’s going to be tough and we do have a tough run in. It’s our second last game at home.”
Moree Vs Wee Waa
Heading north, having depth is something that will help unbeaten competition leaders Moree Boars continue on their merry way in the Whitehaven Coal Group 4 First Grade competition at Captain Cook Oval, Wee Waa on Sunday.
The Boars will be without six first grade stars for the Round 14 match, advised captain-coach Michael Watton.
And he is one of the six sitting out with the flu.
“We’ve had to do a bit of reshuffling,’ Watton said..
“A few of the boys are crooks we’re resting them. It’s not ideal, just the way it is. But its also given a few of the other boys a chance to start in first grade and they are excited about it.”
While Watton is out so too are Chris Vidler, Jack Mitchell, Zack Sampson, Joe Wade and Cameron Rodgers.
“We’re lucky we have great depth,” Watton added with the likes of Richard Simpson, Lachlan McGrady and Stan Swan having the chance to start with Jason Humphries and Anton Jarrett coming onto the bench.
“Stan Swan is back. He’s been doing a great job in the reggies and deserves his spot,” Michael Watton added of a utility star who missed a large part of last season through injury.
“Richard (Simpson) has been coming off the bench all year and he had his best game for a while last week and now has an opportunity to start.”
“But all the boys are excited. They are going to have a game in first grade and mix with the first graders who they have been training with.”
The Boars have won all 12 games so far this season and have a huge for and against. They have scored the most points as well as been the best defensive side.
“We are also looking forward to returning to Wee Waa for the first time in seven or eight years too,” Michael Watton added.
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