The Cobar Camels Rugby Union club took a strong side to Bourke on Saturday but at fulltime, it was their opposition, the combined Bourke/Brewarrina side, who ran out winners, 41-17.
In no way was the final score an indication of the spectacle provided.
The game was tough and uncompromising but outstanding and competitive.
The Camels had all the early possession so the forwards led the attack with some fearsome charges notably by tight head prop Taufao Taufao.
He was ably backed up by flanker Toby Jones, second rowers Jordan Bruce and Sam Jeffrey and Number 8, Chris Crotty.
Jack Fazulla, at loose head prop, chimed in to register his best ever game with the Camels.
When halfback Kody Martin went the blind, he found Crotty backing up who passed to Fijian winger Inoke Nabutokere who “floated” through three Bourke defenders to score the first try of the match.
When Martin converted the crowd fell silent.
Cobar continued to dominate possession and Sam Jeffrey won three successive lineouts to allow the speedy Camels’ backline to put on a bit of razzle dazzle football.
There was some scintillating rugby played.
A converted penalty to Bourke/Bre hit back.
The halftime score was 24-12 in favour of the home side but not before winger cum Flanker Reynold Mugugia scored for the Camels after backing up Fijian flyer, Taito Koroi.
In the second half, little mistakes, lack of condition and cohesion on the part of Cobar allowed Bourke/Bre to accumulate 41 points for the match.
Cobar added to their tally after centre Gordon James sliced through the Bourke/Bre defence to sprint 80 metres only to be brought down a metre from the scoreline.
From the ensuing professional foul, albeit, a friend from the Roosters, Mugugia took a quick tap to drive his way over the try line.
The fulltime score was 41-17.
In a team in which every member contributed, points in Best and Fairest were awarded to Gordon James (3), Toby Jones (2) and one each to Chris Crotty, Ben Griffiths and Jack Fazulla with Gordon James named the side’s Players’ Player.
A special mention must be made of Hooker Jordon Sipendi and winger Marley Jones who are still learning the game, but continue to contribute at home and away matches.
This team of entertainers is available to play Nyngan at Cobar this Friday night under lights.
Nyngan will be tough but the Cobar Camels will be much improved after Saturday’s gallop.
The Cobar Rugby is very appreciative of the support of the Cobar Roosters who travelled and supported the match at Bourke.—contributed
