Tom Bucknell made an instant impression in the red and white playing a starring role as Walcha downed Narrabri 32-22 in their season opener at Dangar Park on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Coming off a player of the finals series performance for Robb College last season, the inside centre was the Rams' players player and picked up the three points.
"His defence was excellent and he ran a few good lines," co-coach Barry Hoy said.
"[Five-eighth] Simon (Newton) was able to put him into a few good holes."
Fellow debutant Henry Leslie also impressed, the prop scoring the one point in what was a strong first-up showing from last year's runners-up.
"For a first game it was pretty good, I was pretty happy," Hoy, who spoke leading into the season about the importance of getting wins early in the season, said.
"Most of the things carried on from last year.
"We've got a few minor points to work on."
READ ALSO:
His only complaint was that they "didn't finish it off", letting in two tries in the last 10 minutes.
Generally their defence was very strong, the Rams laying a marker down early.
"They had a fair few opportunities in the first 15 minutes, they probably had 90 per cent of the ball," Hoy said.
But the Rams held them out - a penalty the Blue Boars' only points for the first half.
The Rams' attack was a bit clunky in the early stages with the play breaking down after a few phases either through a loose pass or a knock-on, but by half-time they had well and truly found their rhythm opening up a 19-point lead at the break.
Outside centre Ed Cordingley grabbed a double, half-back Troy Yarnold and breakaway Thor Crombie also finding the line.
The backrow was good for the Rams with breakaway Sandy Cameron snaring the two points, while Lachlan Brown at number eight "didn't miss anything" playing his first game since 2012.
Lachlan Burtenshaw had a good impact off the bench for the Blue Boars scoring two of their three tries.
Moree made the biggest statement of the round, the Bulls' backs running rampant as they blew Inverell away in the second half.
Jamie Sampson thrived in his move back to fullback crossing for a hat-trick, while Josh Walker, Jordan Cosh and Damien Meppem all pursed doubles as they converted a 17-10 half-time lead into a 78-10 thumping.
Barraba and Scone couldn't be split in the other first round clash, the Rams outscoring the Brumbies two tries to one in the second half to finish 24-all.
