Both sides were playing their first premiership games of the new season at David Taylor Park after first round byes but it was the Ron Dellar-coached Magpies who took control.

After leading 29-nil at half time the Magpies went on with the job to record a 52-point win.

Coupled with the two points from the first round bye, Werris Creek sits atop Dungowan, Kootingal and Barraba in a four-way tie for the premiership lead.

It also plays Barraba Bulldogs at home this Saturday.

Walcha Roos recorded its first win of the new season after a first round defeat at home to Dungowan.

They bounced back at Captain Cook Park, Walcha on Saturday to beat the Boggabri Kangaroos 36-16.

It was a good day for Walcha as its Jillaroos ladies league tag side also won 28-4.

Dungowan had done the same last Thursday night with wins over Bendemeer in ladies league tag and the shield game, and Werris Creek also repeated that at David Taylor Park on Saturday after its ladies league tag side had beaten Manilla 22-18 in a close game.

The shield clash wasn’t close though as the Magpies showed they will be a threat under Ron Dellar and his new assistant coach Lindsay Bowne.

“We defended pretty well,” Dellar said.

While the defence was a pleasing aspect Dellar was also happy with the control his side showed.

“We did turn the ball over a few times but for the first run that wasn’t too bad, we expect it a lot tougher next week against Barraba.”

Teenage fullback Jack Darcy was one of the Creek’s best while prop Thomas Brown played strongly throughout.

Centre Peter Johnson was another to shine while Tim Fenwick won the club’s player’s player award.