Sport
27 July, 2025
Nail-biting loss for Bulls
A penalty kick on the bell was all it took to separate the Warren Pumas and the Bogan Bulls on the scoreboard, and relegate Nyngan from first to third on the Western Plains ladder.
The game was at 25-all in the minutes before full-time when Warren was awarded a penalty just short of the centre line, and managed to kick it through the posts.
Ironically it was the exact scenario the two teams faced in the semi final last year, but then it was Nyngan who claimed the victory.
Nyngan now slips to below Warren and Walgett on the ladder and, unless there are some upsets in the final round next week, will miss a home ground final.
Co-coach Sarah Pearce had her head in her hands several times throughout the games, especially when Nyngan were penalised.
“It was always going to be a tough game against Warren at home, but we were eager and confident until the last minute,” she said.
“As far as possession and field position went, Nyngan were dominant. It was our own mistakes that gave Warren the win at the end of the day. “It’s obviously frustrating to get so close, but a lack of urgency and accuracy around the breakdown were our downfall.”
“That being said, there were some outstanding performances across the park from the Bulls.
“Brendo Nelson scored a hat-trick, a mammoth effort from the tough Jack MacLaughlin, and fantastic footwork from Wesley Vali, - our three, two, one point winners respectively.”
Jack McLaughlin was also player’s player.
Pearce said the Bulls will be working on “strengths and smarts” around the ruck, as well as on-field decision making this week.
The Bulls will travel to Gilgandra on Saturday to take on Gulargambone.
Meanwhile it was better news for the Bulls’ Tri Tag team, which defeated Warren 35-0 despite missing several key players.
It was a crucial win for the team and will hopefully secure them a berth in the finals.
Lara Clark was awarded the three points and was player’s player.
Try scorer Sophie Doughty was awarded two points, and the one point was shared by Chloe Fanning and Meegan Beer.
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