{"id":709118,"date":"2026-06-01T22:19:15","date_gmt":"2026-06-01T22:19:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/709118\/"},"modified":"2026-06-01T22:19:15","modified_gmt":"2026-06-01T22:19:15","slug":"moree-old-bulls-day-celebrates-40-years-of-rugby-at-weebolla-oval","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/709118\/","title":{"rendered":"Moree Old Bulls\u2019 day celebrates 40 years of rugby at Weebolla Oval"},"content":{"rendered":"

MOREE Rugby Union Club celebrated Old Bulls\u2019 day at the weekend, nearly 40 years to the day the Bulls played Inverell Highlanders at Weebolla Oval.<\/p>\n

On June 14, 1986, Moree Weebolla Bulls created local rugby history when they beat the Highlanders in the club\u2019s first home game.<\/p>\n

Bulls club president, David Watts, said more than 100 players from that golden era donned jerseys on Saturday to celebrate a Weebolla milestone.<\/p>\n

\u201cBack in 1986, Ray Williams was president of the club and first-grade was captained by Jim \u2018Loaf\u2019 Boland,\u201d Watts said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe had a strong gathering of old boys for the day, with well over 100 former players scrumming down.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Moree Rugby Union Club celebrated Old Bulls\u2019 day at the weekend, with more than 100 former players attending (Photo courtesy of Gary Nichols).<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a fantastic day, a chance to reconnect with old mates, with many bulls returning for the first time in 30 years.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere were plenty of stories told and memories shared,\u201d Watts smiled.<\/p>\n

Old Bulls who played in the historic match in 1986 were presented with replica jerseys of what they wore 40 years ago.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve been playing at Weebolla Oval for 40 years and this was a great way to celebrate the anniversary,\u201d Watts said.<\/p>\n

Celebrations were strengthened by wins across three grades for the Bulls.<\/p>\n

Moree first-grade, coached by Mick Grant and Jake Cutcliffe, won 35-21 over the Highlanders, with three tries to Asesela Ravuvu and one each to Alex Roseby, Holt Cubis and Max Booth.<\/p>\n

Captain Ben Williams chipped in with a conversion and penalty goal.<\/p>\n

Moree reserve-grade, coached by Damien Kelly and Tony O\u2019Donnell, thumped Inverell 36-8, with tries shared between Hamish Winter, Will Smith, vice-captain Joe Ticehurst, Callum Shanks, Darcy Brazel and Tim Houston.<\/p>\n

Ryan Hunt kicked three conversions.<\/p>\n

Moree women\u2019s seniors, coached by Maddie Watts, delivered a similar blow to the Highlanders, winning 47-14.<\/p>\n

Lauren Appleby starred, scoring two tries and kicking six conversions.<\/p>\n

\u201cWinning three from three was the perfect way to celebrate Old Bulls day at Weebolla against the club we beat at our first home game back in 1986,\u201d Watts said.<\/p>\n

With all grades taking a break over the June long weekend, Moree Bulls will travel to Tamworth on Saturday, June 13 to play the Pirates.<\/p>\n

Photo gallery images courtesy of Zelch Cikota<\/p>\n

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