The Cobar Rugby Union Camels arrived in Gulargambone on Saturday with a team and five reserves to take on a team pressing for semi-final contention in the Western Plains Zone Competition.
The Gular Rugby Union Oval playing surface glistened from the previous night’s deluge, a genuine heavy 10mm, and a far cry from the fast, firm and furious going of the Ailsa Fitzsimmons Memorial Oval at home.
Gular dominated the early exchanges, while the Camels were not at all comfortable in the sloppy going.
The exception was hooker Marsh Rehwa who relished the NZ type conditions to dish out appropriate punishment and play an absolute blinder.
His grin at halftime said it all.
In rousing defensive efforts of their own, centre Chris Crotty, second row Ronan Hobday and breakaways Mitch Dunne and Jayden Paul soon chimed in to support tearaway Rehwa.
With Gular’s progress stymied, the Camels hit back in attack with powerful efforts from loose forward Joash Toringi and centre Fidelis Ah Sam.
And the scrum remained strong.
Front rowers Matt Bolam and brothers Jordan and Napoleon Sipendi were rocks and could not be moved.
Number eight Benny Griffiths displayed his refined skills by cleverly turning a Gular attack into defence by ripping the ball from the ball carrier to initiate a Camels visit into enemy territory.
At halftime, Gular led Cobar 34-0.
Just after halftime, the Gular tight head prop had his shoulder popped by the Camels’ dominant front three.
The referee’s decision to depower the scrum and allow Gular to continue with 15 players appears to fly in the face of the laws of the game.
The scrum dominance Cobar has been exhibiting most weeks without reward has been taken up with the Zone.
The depowering of the scrum appeared to energise Cobar, and they took control of the game for the ensuing 15 minutes.
But, by sending the ball wide and backing up with ruthless efficiency Gular gradually wore the Camels down.
Fraser Toropo at fullback was subject to wave after wave of attacking raids from Gular but was outstanding.
He was safe under the high ball and took out his man in defence.
Kody Martin displayed his utility value with stints at halfback and five-eight as did “everywhere man” Graham Manui.
Manui was superb late in the game with his cover defence.
The final score was 51-0.
Hooker Marsh Rewha was the unanimous choice as Players’ Player.
Joash Toringi reasserted himself as a quality and dedicated Camel to earn three points in best player ratings whilst second rower and Camels’ sole lineout man on the day, Ronan Hobday, took two points.
Hobday’s points were thoroughly deserved for his game contribution on Saturday, but it should be noted he lives in Nevertire and plays for the Camels because he enjoys playing with this team. Ronan has many easier options.
One point was shared between workaholic Mitch Dunne at breakaway and centre Chris Crotty.
The Gular team was gifted with more than its share of pace throughout but Crotty’s ability to run a pacey opponent into a tackle zone was clever.
This Saturday, the Cobar Camels take on Walgett, the reigning Premiers from 2025, at home at the Ailsa Fitzsimmons Memorial Oval.
The Camels have nothing to lose except their no-win status so will be out to put on a show for their local supporters against the highfliers.—contributed
