When Oxley Diggers captain-coach Jamie Trindall barged over from close range after 15 minutes, the Diggers threatened to rain on the Blues’ parade. 

Trailing 10-6, the Diggers found some defensive sting as the Blues continued to turn over the ball.

However their momentum stalled when Chris Dickson bombed a possible try in the corner after Damien Allan’s great popped pass.

The Blues regrouped and Daniel Howe scored the first of his two good tries after a Neil Gibbs charge.

Leading 16-6, Narrabri then took control and played steady, wet-weather football.

Michael Skillicorn’s first of three tries enabled the Blues to take a 22-6 lead into half- time and, on resumption, they added two more, the third from a left winger scoring in the right corner after a scrum win.

“We started poorly, trying to play dry-weather football,” Narrabri coach John Rumsby said.  “Once we learned to play it simple, everything changed. 

“But it was an ordinary day to play football. 

“You needed to have a couple of runs up the middle, kick it deep and wait for them to make a mistake. 

“We didn’t do that early.

“But 54-12 is not a bad result in those conditions.”

Oxley Diggers president Mick Schmiedel said his club was improving.

“We’re getting better, not getting embarrassed,” Schmiedel sid.

“We’re a lot better than we were.

“We defended better today, defended well in patches. That was real good. 

“But when we were bad we really dropped off.”

Narrabri centre Daniel Howe deserved The Leader best and fairest points with a strong-running display, scoring two tries and having a hand in a few others.

Winger Michael Skillicorn also impressed with a livewire performance on the left wing until he limped off with a left leg injury.

Skipper Lachlan Cameron, centre Nathan Roberts and hooker Jacob Nicholls all had busy games.

Trindall was Oxley Diggers’  best, the skipper making some jarring tackles and running strongly.

 Allan also played well and was rewarded with a try. 

Lock Liam Wise also worked hard.