The Wallamba Bulls hosted the Manning Ratz at the Aub Ferris Oval bull pen on April 22 in what was widely predicted to be a tough physical encounter between two teams that have a long history of rivalry in the spirit of rugby.
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A lot of emotion surrounded the Bulls as they paid tribute to the life of Mr Joey (Tiger) Eason with a minute’s silence before the game a man who was a stalwart of the Bulls for as long as anyone can remember.
The Bulls forward pack took control of the game following an early lineout and the Bulls’ number four Daniel Barber was able to cross for the first try of the game.
The Ratz quickly struck back with a a try to the Ratz number 13 which was successfully converted bringing the Ratz to the lead before the Bulls number eight Dan Aldridge crossed for a try off the back of a strong scrum for the Bulls followed in quick succession by the Bulls’ number 4 Jake Schumaker, who crossed for the Bulls third try of the match to bring the score to 17 – 7 at half time.
At half time, club president, Arthur Chapman presented Bulls jerseys to the Bulls 26 sponsors many of whom have supported the Bulls since their first season in the Lower Mid North Coast Competition.
In thanking the sponsors Arthur said: “Our sponsors are what makes this club such a special place, we have great players, coaches and supporters, but without our sponsors we would have a very different club.”
As the second half kicked off the Ratz took advantage of their large pack size and were rewarded with the first try of the second half which was easily converted bringing the score to 17-14.
The Bulls’ Chris Tout showed why he is considered to be the best number 15 in the competition, laying a solid platform and a flawless kicking game throughout the second half that saw the bulls escape serious attacks by the Ratz on several occasions.
The Bulls were again challenged when two players Mitch Ede and Matt Steele spent time in the sin bin in the second half in separate incidents.
The Bulls drew deep on their preseason training and trial games fitness to outplay the Ratz in the second half crossing the line for two tries to Bulls James Hanford in the second half and at the final whistle the score was Bulls 34 Ratz 14 giving the Bulls their second bonus point of the competition and first place on the ladder in the 2017 competition in the Bulls self-proclaimed Year of the Bull!
Bulls’ coach, Lee Sullivan paid tribute to the Ratz excellent pack led by captain Sam Harnett and second rower David Rees and said: “The Ratz made us work hard for the win today and it was rewarding to see the depth of our training and pre season work play off in our fitness, tight forwards and set pieces.”
The Bulls’ Agland Turf, player of the round was Dan Aldridge.
The Bulls will now play a make-up game against Old Bar on Anzac Day at Old Bar Oval at 3pm followed by a bye for the NSW Country Championships in Port Macquarie April 29 before normal games resume on May 6 when the Bulls will travel to play the Myall Coast Mud Crabs.
