General News
6 July, 2025
Bogan Bulls find form to keep Coonamble scoreless
The Bogan Bulls successfully regathered after last week’s loss against Walgett to defeat Coonamble convincingly, 60-0, on Saturday, June 28.
The Bogan Bulls successfully regathered after last week’s loss against Walgett to defeat Coonamble convincingly, 60-0, on Saturday, June 28.
The solid win should give the Bulls a bonus point, which coach Rob Kennedy said would be crucial to split the top three on the ladder – Nyngan, Walgett, and Warren as the season heads toward the finals.
“We spoke a lot this week about our defence being the problem at Walgett and we wanted to fix that and we set ourselves the goal of keeping Coonamble to zero,” Kennedy said.
“We started brilliantly with excellent ball movement and having no trouble scoring. Wes Vali was outstanding crossing at will and belting in defence and we quickly raced to 22-0 and the signs were good!”
“The ball movement was outstanding with co-coach Pearcies’ training paying off. Jonah Kautu, the Papua New Guinean master was outstanding, directing traffic like a policeman.
“As fatigue started to creep in and white line fever took hold, mistakes started to float to the surface.
“We decided to rest a couple of stars and for 10 minutes we lost our way - but in a sign of a quality side we regrouped a continued on our way with a couple of tries before halftime to go in at half-time 31-0.”
Kennedy said “strong discussion” at half-time brought the Bull back to the plan in the second half, with plenty of forward momentum, from which the backs took advantage and continued to score freely.
“A couple more of our best were put on ice to keep them healthy and the bench were outstanding. One of our real strengths this year is our depth, we have 20 proper first graders.”
Kennedy was pleased with the improvement shown by all players.
“The whole team was fantastic but points went to J-Mac (Jack McLaughlin), who got his first full game after a few injuries and was outstanding, taking the three points, Grimace Craigo’s jackaroo who was tough and got two points and Brett Moody and Harry Holmes who each got one.”
“Harry also played hurst first full 80 minutes for the year and showed he’s back to his premiership winning form from 2016. I thought, although he didn’t get points, Dapto Taylor was the big difference from the previous week with the return of his Sonny Bill-like silky skills proving unstoppable. Pearcey was clapping again! Rob was holding his breath waiting for the mistakes! But he was 10 out of 10 this week.”
“Coonamble tried their hearts out and to their credit kept their cool and the score didn’t really reflect their ability because they were tough until the final whistle.”
Meanwhile the Bulls ladies were not as successful, losing 26-5 against a competitive Coonamble side.
The Bulls have a bye this weekend for Duck Creek races, but will return to the field on July 12 against Bourke-Brewarrina, which will be the annual Ladies Day fixture.
Read More: Nyngan