A great afternoon of rugby was had by all at Aub Ferris Oval on Saturday afternoon (March 10).
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In what has become a yearly trial for the clubs, the Bulls hosted the Dubbo Rhinos, with the boys from the bush enjoying a trip to the coast.
With Daniel Hessing and James Handford missing due to commitments with the Mid North Coast team, the event provided a great opportunity for the Bulls to trial new players.
Players stepped up, and after a good lead up by the forwards the Bulls stepped into the front.
Chris Tout caused lots of problems to the opposition by making some insightful breaks, despite the fact he was testing a back strain he got at a Mid North Coast training weekend.
Busy half-back and newly appointed captain, Andy Paynter was rewarded with a try from a well set up play down the short side.
New recruit Chris Simon made an impact on the game with some very insightful running and was a real crowd pleaser.
His strong running game will only get better as he develops combinations.
Young player and debutant, Jessie Wrigley was excellent in the tight five and looked to be a fruitful find, his work rate was outstanding.
Jake Schumaker lost no speed over the summer, and his 60 metre dash down the sideline would have brought smiles to coaches Sullivan and Wilson.
The Rhinos really tested the defence of the Bulls and hot backline during the third quarter.
Fatigue and simple errors were concerning, before a more concerted focus in the last quarter saw the Bulls score a try to young winger Jake Curnow.
The final try was scored by debutant Jessie Wrigley, after string work from winger Schumaker.
Forwards were well lead by Saul Clough and punishing runs and defence by Curtis McNally.
The Bulls ran out winners, with a score of 39-24.
In other rugby news, young Maccauley Morris become the lower Mid North Coast inaugural junior player to make the Mid North Coast Representative under 13 side.
The team will compete in the junior NSW Country Championships in Armidale in May.
As there is no junior competition in the area, a last minute registration with the Wauchope Junior RUFC was sorted in time for the trials held on Sunday (March 11) in Crescent Heads.
