Earlier in the day over 100 local juniors participated in the FREE Classics Rugby Skills Clinic where they were ran through a series of drills by the Classic Wallabies and Classic Wallaroos with Rugby Australia CEO Raelene Castle & players from The Southport School getting involved in the session.
On the main field, the opening match of the day saw the Darling Downs take down the Central West Barbarians 42-7, before The Southport School (TSS) dominated their country schoolboy rugby rivals Toowoomba Grammar School 48-0.
The Classic Wallaroos then took centre stage to claim a hard-fought 17-7 victory against some of Central North’s women’s team.
Finally, the Classic Wallabies put on a thrilling performance against the Central North Barbarians in the showcase match.
Central North gave the Classics a run for their money, with both sides taking turns to lead the score throughout the match. Moree’s Josh Walker and Nathan Ebbett both crossed the line for the green and gold, helping the Classic Wallabies secure the close 38-33 victory.
Classics General Manager Justin Harrison said it was a close spectacle, and joked about his own performance during the match.
“What you would describe as a rugby game is completely different to what I did out there,” he laughed.
“My tackles were more like man hugs. But it was just good to be playing with people I haven’t seen for 10 years and great to share that job with people I’ve never met before in rural Australia.
“The level of experience from our part is watered down … it’s more a celebration of all different corners of rugby coming together.”
Central North Rugby’s Paul King said on the whole it was a fantastic day and one the community will remember for a long time to come.
“Everyone I’ve spoken to thoroughly enjoyed the day; it was a great thing for the community,” he said.
“Some of the players said it was a great weekend and something they’ll never forget. I’m glad to provide an opportunity for everyone to see that.”
And with the drought taking its toll on the community, King said the day was even more important as a fun, social day out for people to take their minds off the farm or business.
“It gave everyone a real boost,” he said.
“It provided an opportunity to catch up and socialise and be entertained by a great game of football.”
Classic Wallabies: 38 (Tries: Nathan Ebbett, Mark Chisholm, Dewet Roos, Bill Johnston, David Croft; Conversions: Mat Rogers 3, Dewet Roos)
Central North Barbarians: 33 (Tries: Matt McDonnell 2, Ben Williams, Nick Smith, Cameron Rogers; Conversions: Ben Williams 3, Ben Cameron)
Article by Jem Nash. Originally published in the Moree Champion.
We would like to thank the Central North Rugby Union & Moree Rugby Club for all their involvement in the day.
https://www.facebook.com/RugbyAU/videos/524976744575933/We would also like to thank our event partners The Rugby Club Foundation, Yenda, Rugby Australia, Australian Rugby Foundation and RUPA and all the local partners who came out to support the event Tourism Moree, Moree Plains Shire Council, Now-FM, 2VM, North West Events, Coates Hire, Rhodes Kildea Lawyers, Tait Auto Group, The Royal Hotel, Leading Appliances, Phoebe’s and Moree on a Plate.
