Warren Pumas hosted Nyngan’s Bogan Bulls in the ‘match of the round’ at Victoria Oval in Warren on Saturday last, in a tough battle for the Barry Beach – Bomber Moxham Cup, with the Pumas taking the win 30-26 right on the buzzer in a nail-biting display of Rugby.  

“The Cup was initiated last year to recognise Barry Beach and Bomber Moxham who have contributed significantly to both of our clubs,” said Bogan Bulls Club President Ange Kennedy. 

“Both true Gentleman, the men are still regulars on the sidelines at games. They have both supported bush rugby for many many years,” according to Ms Kennedy.  

“Barry is to the Warren Pumas like Bomber is to the Bulls. Bomber originally played for Warren in the couple of years before the Nyngan Club was formed back in 1956 – both men have had pivotal roles in their respective clubs.” Said Ms Kennedy.  

“I was truly humbled to have the Cup named after us,” said Barry Beach. “Bomber and I have been mates since the early 50’s when we started playing for the Warren Rugby Union side. “ 

“I haved been involved with the Club since day one and both my boys, Mark and James have played and been involved also. I have been so fortunate to have made many friends through the sport and have really enjoyed the rivalry through the years between Warren and Nyngan,” he said. “What could be better than sharing the Cup with my mate Bomber.” 

Warren Pumas Captain Blair Hooper, Bomber Moxham, Barry Beach, and Bogan Bulls Captain Brendon Nelson. PHOTO WARREN WEEKLY  

It was 1953 when Bomber Moxham received a call from George Thornton asking him to go to help make up the team in Warren.  

“George called up and said come over and help us out and in the beginning we only had enough players to play each other as there were no other teams in the area at that time.” Said Bomber Moxham. Eventually we started travelling to Wellington who had a great team and then to Goolma. There were no Dubbo Teams so we just did what we could.” 

“In 1956 I joined the newly started Nyngan side as it was less distance to travel and to support the fledgling Club,’ said Mr. Moxham. “I am so proud of our Club now - the young people are doing a great job and it’s a pleasure to be a part of such a tight knit group.” 

“I was astounded when they called to say we have named a Cup for you and even happier to know it was with Barry. I was proud,” he said.  

With the Bulls taking out the title last year, the Pumas had something to prove and went in hard from the first whistle. Eight minutes in Nyngan Winger Jake Perko found an opening and hit the line setting Nyngan up with a Seven-point lead, after Simon Fonua converted. 

Soon after Pumas Strong man Hugh Mclean used his muscle to down the defence and score for five points. This resulted in a twenty-minute tough and brutal back and fro between the two teams with Referee Newton allowing the free flow of the game, as the enthusiastic crowd watched on. 

Nyngan five-eight Mitch Butler, gave the Bulls something to celebrate, as the clock ticked down to half time taking the score to 14-5. 

Not to be outdone Pumas Will Young, took a good ball out wide and scored with Nelson Shepherd adding the conversion taking the score to 14-12 with both teams heading to the sheds for a much-needed break after a first half physical encounter.  

As the whistle sounded for the commencement of the second half Nyngan came out firing with the Puma defence forgeting to defend the blind side of the ruck allowing an easy try from Talia Tuaau. 

It wasn’t long after when Pumas Hamish Cameron scored in the corner and both teams knew it was on. Pure guts Rugby and the cup was on the line as the Pumas dug deep.  

Nyngan centre Talia Tuaau scored again with a quick reply from the Pumas and a score 26-25 Bulls way made the Bogan Bulls crowd edgy and the Pumas supporters determined.  

Both Teams level of fitness came into question as they struggled to reach the line and the Bulls thought they had it in the bag when Pumas Clarrie Pratten sealed the deal making the score 30-26 right on the bell and Warren the winners on the day.  

The keenly contested Beach-Moxham Cup.

“Saturday was a great day of Rugby,” Pumas President Tom Noonan said. “It was great to have Barry and Bomber present on the day and for them to be surrounded by their family and friends”.  

Not only was it Beach/Moxham Cup Day – Saturday was Spinal Injury Support round and Warren Pumas donated a percentage of gate takings to Andrew Regan and Nathan Stapleton who both sustained critical spinal injuries playing Country Rugby this season. Donation buckets were placed out and a load of wood donated by Brad McRae and Andrew Austin was raffled to support the cause to help the boys with recovery and ongoing medical bills. 

Bogan Bulls will be flat out working on tactics for the next encounter in the hopes of taking back the coveted Cup.