Narrabri and NSW Country centre Mark Hardy scored three tries for the Blue Boars as did winger Dennis Harvey.

Narrabri assistant coach Paul Thomas said the match was a tight affair until a Hardy try just before half-time gave his side a boost.

“There was around five minutes to go in the half and we were leading just 12-7 so that try really got the momentum going for us,” Thomas said.

“There was some good work in the phase play and from the backs in the lead up.”

Thomas said the Narrabri backline shone in the match and the forwards improved on their effort against Barraba the previous week without being convincing.

“Chris Fowler at five-eighth was our best player and Steve Keys went very well in the second row. And Steve Parish at inside centre had an exceptional game,” Thomas said.

Tamworth club president Vince Symons said the Magpies never stopped trying and performed well with an understrength outfit.

“I think we went alright considering we had a reserve grade backline,” Symons said.

“And the forwards all played well. Ben Latimer (prop) was in the thick of it and Matt Walters (lock) and Bernie Klasen (number eight) had big games. Peter Mead at hooker never stopped trying.”

Symons said Aaron Ramien had a strong game in the backs for the Magpies and was confident with a full complement out wide the side will perform better against the Blue Boars in the second round.

“Most of their tries seemed to come out wide. I’m sure we can go a lot closer next time we play them,” Symons

said.