Boars' breakthrough

THE Barcaldine Boars have returned to the top of the Western Queensland Rugby Union ladder, after a three-year absence from finals footie.

While the Boars held the premiership shield from 2000 to 2003, they had failed to rate a mention in subsequent semi finals until last weekend, when they downed reigning premiers the Longreach Rustlers.

Coach Tawhai Bartlett emphasised that his team would have to remain confident approaching the game against the in-form Rustlers, a tactic that obviously drove his squad toward victory.

Despite a sloppy start and handing over a number of penalties in the first half, the Barcy boys remained dominant with their strong forward pack once again posing problems for the opposition.

The Rustlers were unable to capitalise on the Boars’ mistakes and their frustrations became evident when key player Adrian McErnny was sent from the field for overly-aggressive rucking.
Two penalty goals by Peter Walker did little to rark up the Rustler’s waning defense, as the tactical kicking of his opposite number Jeff Geurr continued to bolster the confidence of the Boars who snapped up the 2006 premiership with gusto.

The tight and aggressive game proved to be a spectacle for the 2,000-strong crowd that witnessed this year’s grand final.

Grandstands were dragged in close to the sideline, with many supporters heard egging on their team’s bench that was less than a metre away.

Spectator numbers were bolstered by the visiting Variety Club bashers, who drove their vintage rigs in the Longreach Showgrounds and helped celebrate Barcy’s decisive win well into the evening.

Barcaldine 10, Tries: Andrew Pierce and Aaron Von Deest.
Longreach 6, Penalty goals: Peter Walker 2.
Player of the Final:
Barcaldine Boar fullback Jeff Geurr