Two tough losses for the Boars in freezing Mudgee conditions

In second grade, the match was messy as players from both sides struggled in the wet muddy conditions. 12 minutes into the match the first points were registered when Mudgee crossed under the posts off the back of a penalty scrum on the 5 metre line. The conversion was missed.

The Boars forwards struggled in the conditions with neither side able to find a dominance in their game. Rory Nock and Tim Lawler pushed the forwards to work hard but frustration with a wet ball and numerous handling errors on both sides prevented any flow to the game.

READ MORE RUGBY NEWS:

- $2m on the table for much needed Spicer Oval upgrades

- TALKING POINTS | What we learned out of CWRU's fifth round

- Boars succumb to Mudgee in two point thriller

Mitch Westcott proved his versatility on the field by stepping up into the No.8 position to lock the scrum. His work ethic was awarded by the team in his players player award at match end.

Michael Murphy usually plays a very strong kicking game but this week this skill was also curtailed by the wet conditions- he managed to clear the ball against several attacking sets by Mudgee but was unable to make the most of penalty goal opportunities.

Morgan Powter took a run on place on the wing and showed he has the hands and speed to have a strong future in rugby at a senior level.

Coach Cooper Byrnes had to run on in the second row to team up with the very experienced Luke Freeman. The combination worked well to steady the slippery scrum. Great to see both these players make an appearance. The Boars also welcomed back Marika Koroivui who melded seamlessly in his usual quiet efficient style.

Mudgee were able to capitalise on a penalty opportunity from in front of goals on the half time whistle before the teams ran into the sheds with Mudgee 8-0 in the lead.

The second half saw the rain stop but again the wet conditions didn't help either team. With a mere five minutes to go Dylan Phillips chased down a ball kicked through by Nathan Cornelius and flew over the line to give the Boars their only points for the match in the low scoring three point loss.

It was a tough game for the Boars ladies with several key players unavailable for the match.

Quarter time saw the scores at 5-5 when right on the whistle Mudgee crossed with 15 seconds to go.

The rain eased a bit but the cold was setting in. Mudgee put on fresh legs and immediately used this to their advantage setting a try just wide of the posts. This followed by another 5 minutes later when the Mudgee attack found a small gap in the Boars defence. Paulini Lawanikula and Maddi Swan were solid in defence but the effort was wearing.

Mudgee used their bench well but Parkes were not giving up.

Coach Mitch Westcott urged his players to play smarter. The forwards answered his call when Nat Caruana stole the ball then made the distance to put the ball down next to the posts. Makeely Vandyk added the extras. At the end of the 3rd quarter Mudgee was ahead 21-12.

The fourth quarter was all Mudgee with the Parkes ladies being push from every angle. In the end Mudgee took the match 39-12.

Mudge Wombats 8 (Andrew Bowring try; Thomas Purcell goal) defeated Parkes Boars 5 (Dylan Phillips try)

Best and Fairest points

Mudgee Wombats 39 defeated Parkes Boars 12.