The Bogan Bulls have won the 2016 Grand Final with a resounding 28-7 victory over the Coonamble Rams.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
To recap the year - the Bogan Bulls were a dominant force throughout the season but constantly sat in second place on the ladder with the Coonamble Rams holding the slimmest of margins to stay on top. An underdog victory in the semi-finals gave the Bogan Bulls the rights to a home grand final.
The main event saw crowd numbers swell as everyone watched veteran Doug Holmes lead the Bogan Bulls onto the field for his fifth grand final and third retirement.
The whistle blew and the Bulls made it clear they meant business with an early charge down of the kick return. The Rams were stunned by the ferocity of the Bulls attack as Declan Hoare cut holes in the defence and handed off to Scott Brown who tore down the sideline, stopped inches from the try line by a desperate Rams defence.
It was only a brief respite as Tom Cleaver soon crossed the line for the first try of the match under the posts. Kicker Scott Brown was laser accurate with the conversion to open up the lead at 7-0. Play resumed with nerves settling as the Bulls spread the ball Declan Hoare who side stepped numerous defenders for the second try to the Bulls and a 12-0 lead. Scott Brown nailed the conversion to extend the lead 14-0.
A try to Coonamble late in the first half with a successful conversion saw the teams go to the sheds at half time with the score 14-7, enough to make the home crowd nervous about a Rams comeback in the back end of the game.
The second half saw both teams determined to dominate territory. Neither team was willing to concede ground as the kicking game saw a constant battle for field position.
The Bulls were solid in defence and ball-handling, the powerful forward pack grinding their way deep into Rams territory. Nathan Jones was again a standout, drawing in multiple defenders before handing off for his team mates to exploit the gaping holes he created, eventually positioning Doug Holmes to dive over the line for a 19-7 lead, converted to 21-7.
It was of some note that there were no penalty goals in a game where many Grand Finals are decided by a kick, this one was all Bulls as the boys from the Bogan played with such discipline and determination that the Rams were unable to benefit from penalties as they have so often in the past.
By that stage the Rams were only to be saved by the timekeeper as Jack Kennedy scored the final try of the match, converted for a final score of 28-7 leaving the crowd with no doubt that the Bogan Bulls had swept away the competition..
Declan Hoare was named Man of the Match but that could easily have gone to any one of the players or to any of the tireless volunteers who made the day a success.
Presentation Night is to be held on Friday September 30 at the Bulls Shed.