Sport
8 June, 2025
Bogan Bulls defeat Warren to win Moxham-Beach Trophy
The Bogan Bulls men’s side has claimed top spot on the Western Plains ladder, defeating the highly regarded Warren Pumas 20-15 and also reclaiming the Bomber Moxham Barry Beach Trophy.
The game took place before a large crowd for the club’s annual Sponsor’s Day round.
Bulls coach Rob Kennedy said his team were prepared for a physical encounter in the highly anticipated “Silver Tails (Warren) versus Fibro” clash.
“The Nyngan boys are used to Warren coming to town with a superiority complex, so we just went about our business in trying to get better each week,” he said.
The game didn’t disappoint with Warren striking first with its quality young fullback William Johnson who used his blistering speed to go over untouched with his first catch of the ball.
“Warren was playing fast and we were struggling to keep up, but sticking to the process we slowly started to get on top with strong forward play working the Warren pack over and finally we crossed, a penalty follow up and we saw Nyngan go to half-time 10-7 up and looking on top.”
Warren came out strong in the second half and showed what a quality side it is when, with little ball, they finally got down Nyngan’s end and crossed for a try. They failed to convert it, but with 20 minutes to go they led 12-10. The speed and skill shown by the Bull’s recruits Wesley Vali and Kunak Late from Papua New Guinea enabled the Bulls to regain some control of the match in the final third.
“Kanuk’s speed was electric out wide and despite not scoring he was making yards. A penalty went our way and we hit the lead 13-12.”
The game see-sawed, with Nyngan mostly camped in Warrens quarter but unable to get points. Warren was awarded a penalty 40 metres from its posts but managed to nail it and the scores were 15-13 with 10 minutes to go.
“The speed of the game was taking its toll with our forwards, showing they just aren’t fit enough yet - but they are definitely in front of where we were at this stage last year,” Kennedy said.
“Brendo Nelson was outstanding showing up again and again in both attack and defence. Brett Moody, back in the starting line-up after a year off, was outstanding. Manny Mullengudgery continued his strong runs. Tommy Cleaver was right beside him in the trenches, and Dapto Taylor was a real handful as usual, even if he was knocking up.”
Coaches Kennedy and Sarah Pearce brought on fresh forwards in the final quarter which made a difference to the Bull’s momentum.
“Harry homes, Bubba Perry and J-mac McLaughlin entered the field and the forwards continued their dominance, but with try scoring opportunities breaking down at the last pass. Finally the pressure got too much for Warren and we crossed out wide to hit the lead, with 10 to go. Jonah kicked the conversion from the sideline and we had them at 20-15.”
“Grimace from down south - Craigo Ticehurst’s jackaroo - entered the field in the centres with 10 to go after a few weeks off from injury and together with our Nico Hynes lookalike, Bailey, went to work in the centres with strong defence. Warren attacked our line for the last five minutes but we repelled them again and again to win 20-15.”
Three points were awarded to team captain Brendan Nelson; two points to Kunak Vali; and one point each to Jeremy Holmes and Dapto Taylor. Players player was Kunak.
“Nyngan are now on top of the ladder, but with a long way to go. What we did learn is Warren are fair dinkum and will be very hard to beat come semi-finals,” Kennedy said.
Meanwhile, the Bogan Bulls Ladies team scored its first win of the season, defeating Warren convincingly 46-7.
Coach Keiran Smith said the team found momentum and its confidence grew as it got points on the board.
“Defensive was the key to the win with all the girls now starting to understand the rules and believing in themselves,” he said
“Once we started to control the game with our defence it put pressure on the Warren girls allowing us to open the game up and get some ball out wide and points on the board.”
“It was a very impressive win for the girls and the way we are improving each week I believe it’s very exciting times for the girls and the Bogan Bulls.
Team captain Molly Smith was awarded three points; Tara Brookman two points; and new recruit Lucy McLaughlin received one point. Player’s player was Lara Clarke.
The Bulls next play Gular, at home on June 14.
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