Kangaroos bounce back at home

After a 12-year absence from Bowen Oval the Coolah Kangaroos have shown supporters there will be plenty to cheer about in season 2013.

The Kangaroos won their first trial match of the year in front of a jubilant home crowd on Saturday, making light work of the Tamworth-based Manilla Tigers.

Coolah are joining the Castlereagh League this year and Saturday’s 56-10 win has pleased those involved with the club.

President Wayne Thrift said the trial win was a pat on the back to coaching staff Chris Kearney, Steve Burgess and Stuart Tisdell.

“To have a team as well prepared as they were in just six weeks in training for their first trial game shows commitment to a cause will get results,” he said.

The game was played in four 20-minute and Coolah hit the ground running, scoring five tries in the first two quarters.

Two tries came the way of star Brad Sheridan and one to Brett Staniforth.

Thrift described Staniforth as having “a wow of a game”.

Another try to Eion Flynn and a conversion to Sheridan took the score 24-0 at half time.

“All players were putting their hands up to run the ball and tackle their hearts out,” Thrift said.

Manilla struggled in weather more conducive to Bondi Beach and felt the effects as Coolah ran in a further six tries in the remaining two quarters.

Kearney showed good foot work and crossed for three tries before Corey Latham also bagged four points. Sheridan crossed again and potted three goals during the second half. Staniforth also converted a goal.

“It was a very happy Coolah camp,” Thrift said.

“Our players fitness and ball skills were giving the Tigers no end of trouble.”

Thrift said mentions had to go to Matt Gilbert, George Dunn, Nick Packham and Kearney.

He said Burgess, the Tisdell brothers Selwyn and Nathan will also be great assets for the club. 

This weekend Coolah travels to Manilla for the return match.

The Kangaroos will be holding a reunion of past and present players and coaches of the last 30 years on the weekend of April 19-20. 

This will coincide with the first home game of the season

against heavyweights Gilgandra Panthers. 

A tent will be put on the grounds with a barbecue and a get together at the Sporting Club after the game. Contact Wayne Thrift for any enquires on 0427 773 326 or 6377 1005.

Also on the day a game of Austag will be played against Gilgandra before the first grade game.