Narromine Gorillas took on Charles Sturt University at the weekend and tough games were the name of the day.
The students were on top early in First Grade and kicked a penalty goal against the Gorillas to lead 3-0.
Soon after Ben Strachan was helped from the field being replaced by Josh Kearines who had already played a big game in Second Grade.
CSU continued the pressure and in the 20th minute scored a try under the posts which was converted to lead 10-0.
Narromine then returned the fire in the 26th minute as the forwards started to get on top. Josh Kearines scored and Luke Brown got a knee in the head in the lead-up. Lachie McCutcheon replaced Brown while Kilby converted the try; 10-7 to CSU was the half-time score.
Strachan replaced Kearines at half-time and Brown came back on also, replacing Tim Allworth. Ten minutes into the second half and Brown was over in the eastern corner and a great kick from the sideline had the score reading 14-10 to Narromine.
Ten minutes later and McCutcheon was in after good work from Ryan Pratten and Scott Burgess. The conversion failed but the Gorillas were on a roll; 19-10.
A few minutes later CSU were attacking and Craig Duff took an intercept and then ran some 80 metres to score under the posts. Kilby converted; 26-10 to Narromine.
CSU scored in the last 10 minutes and the final score was 26-17 in favour of the Gorillas.
Four tries to Narromine meant a very important bonus point and now the Gorillas are only one point behind CSU on the ladder.
The second grade game proved difficult for the boys and they just came up short at the finish.
CSU scored a try and kicked a penalty goal to finish ahead of Narromine 8-6. We had plenty of chances to win the game but CSU hung on doggedly to take the points.
Best for Narromine was Greg Wynn 3 points; Jock Crawford 2 points; Brock Short 1 point.
The Colts’ game was also a good spectacle and Narromine went down in a close encounter 12-7.
Anthony Barling was the try scorer and Ryan Wheeler converted.
Best for Narromine was Archie Wadsworth 3 points; Max 2 points; Brian Smith 1 point.
The Narromine Gorillas send their condolences to the Browning family who have been an important part of the club for its entire existence.
Glenn was a great player, supporter and club man and he will be greatly missed.
