Narrabri arrived at Coonabarabran to find it had just 11 first grade players and with no reserve grade game played, had to go to the under 18s to make up the numbers.

Binnie McGrady and Jarratt Mercer, after full Under 18 games, were drafted onto each wing while Brock Ryan, Matt Trindall and Adam Rooney were used off the bench.

"And young Jarratt went real well for his first game," Narrabri coach Wayne Hetherington said.

"Matty Trindall and big Brock Ryan had big games too. They ran through Coonabarabran like they were seasoned first graders."

Narrabri was in the game for a long way too.

Coonabarabran led 22-16 at half-time and it was only in the final 20 minutes the Unicorns were able to pull clear.

"We lacked a bit of discipline in the final 15 minutes of the first half," Coonabarabran coach Mark Watton said.

"We'd led 22-8 but they came back into it with two good tries. But we were also running into a stiff breeze and uphill.

"We came out and played much better in the second half. We played it a little more simple and kept it tight. Kept it simple and had a good kick and chase.

"But Narrabri stuck to it too and also scored a couple of magical tries."

Scott Pickette continued some outstanding recent form to score three tries and spearhead the Unicorns.

"He scored two great solo tries in the second half," Watton said.

"Both from pace and strength."

Frontrowers Andrew Wilkes, Tim Milsom and Greg Kable earned Watton's praise again.

Arthur Murray was dangerous every time he touched the ball but Jarred Hetherington and Doug Bruce had big games.

Hetherington recovered from an early knock to play strongly again while Grant Trindall and 37-year-old prop Anthony Gibbs also impressed.