Boggabri ensured it remains in the race for a Semi-Final spot with a 68-6 Mercy Rule win over Wee Waa Panthers at Jubilee Oval, Boggabri on Sunday.
The Kangaroos sit fifth on the first grade table just two points adrift of second-placed Werris Creek.
The Roos also have the third best differential (for and against) record behind unbeaten leaders Moree (396) and second-placed Werris Creek (232).
Boggabri (193) is next best followed by Kootingal (156) and North Tamworth (96) and follows Sunday’s 62-point success over the Panthers.
“We finished midway through the second half,” Boggabri coach Shane Rampling told Group 4 Media after the game.
“We were a bit clunky in the first half but led 34-6 at half-time.
“Made some simple mistakes and kept turning the ball over.
“The second half was more clinical and we were able to exert a lot more pressure. It was much better for those 18 minutes in the second half, a good step into next week. We play Kooty (at Kootingal) and that’s going to be a massive game for both sides. There’s just a point between us both now.”
Meanwhile, the Moree Boars continued their unbeaten surge to a Whitehaven Coal Group 4 First Grade Minor Premiership when it hammered a short-staffed Narrabri Blues 76-22 at Boughton Oval, Moree on Sunday.
It was Moree’s 12th straight win and keeps them six points clear of second-placed Werris Creek.
Moree captain-coach Michael Watton, who sat out the game, was delighted with the win and the attack but not so enamoured with the defensive effort.
“I was disappointed with the 22 points,” Michael Watton said of Narrabri’s scoring record.
“Really disappointed. We let in some soft tries so II wasn’t overly happy with that aspect.”
He said defence will be a crucial part of the side’s game leading into and during the finals series.
Narrabri coach, Glenn Collins, was “proud” of his side’s effort after five of his first grade side played second grade as well to make up the numbers.
“Some of the boys didn’t turn up,” Glenn Collin said.
“Five of the first grade played in second grade and then toughed it out. We also had Ronald Swan debut in first grade and he went well as well as scoring a try. Isaiah Cochrane (another junior) also scored two tries!
“We could have scored a few more tries too. Moree were good and deserved to win but I couldn’t be prouder of my boys, playing two games. Very proud of them, proud of them all.”
Gunnedah rebounded from a Moree hammering last week to hand Dungowan a disastrous loss when the Bulldogs won their match 38-24 at Kitchener Park, Gunnedah on Saturday.
The Bulldogs ran in seven tries to five with winger Emori Waqavulagi notching four of the Bulldog touchdowns with some scintillating bursts.
Dungowan coach Jack Cameron said his side was well in the game until the final quarter.
“The game was in the balance but they took it.
“It had been a close game for 60 minutes but they just got away with it.”
And Werris Creek had a decisive 48-12 win over Kootingal at David Taylor Park, Werris Creek on Saturday.
The Magpies had trailed the Kooty Roosters by a point going into the Round 13 game but moved up to outright second with their dominant win.
It was another good day for the Magpies with their second grade side winning 24-16 and their Under 18’s posting an 18-10 win over the Roosters.
The Magpie women also excelled despite losing their Ladies League Tag clash 14-6 to competition leaders Kootingal. The Ladies League Tag clash was an intense game with outstanding defensive efforts from both sides.
Next week’s schedule:
Something going on in your part of the New England people should know about? Let us know by emailing newsdesk@netimes.com.au