THE Group 4 Second Division is starting to heat up as the cream floats to the top only five rounds into what looks like once again being a very close competition.
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Barraba finally got on the front foot, recording their second victory of the season with a 66-12 point thumping of neighbours Manilla, while Dungowan and Werris Creek also recorded good wins at home to remain tied for second.
Bendemeer went up the mountain further to beat the Uralla Tigers 36-22, and Kootingal remain unbeaten on top of the ladder after also heading into the New England and beating a determined Walcha outfit 24-10.
The Roos held the majority of possession in the first half after coming out of the gates well, but couldn’t get through the Roosters defence.
Streaky flyer Anthony Smith picked up a try and players’ player after a classy display on the fringe where he was in everything, while big-hitting front rower Grayson Bradbury scored his first ever try for the club.
The Kooty girls also had a win, grinding out a tight 8-6 victory over last years finalists to claim second spot behind the unbeaten Uralla, who were Group 19 premiers last year.
The Roosters will be on the road again next week when they get their first chance of revenge with a grand final replay taking place at the Dungowan Showground.
Dungowan’s comprehensive 78-10 victory over Quirindi is the second of four home games in a row for the premiers, and the second week in a row that winger Dylan O’Brien has scored multiple tries.
The left winger picked four up this week to go with a brace he scored against Uralla last week.
Zander Smith also backed up his double last week with a triple this week while Justin Fox also scored three as the front rower again stood out.
Brock Morgan’s golden boot helped the playmaker to 30 points, missing just one goal from 14 attempts as well as crossing for a try.
At David Taylor Park the Roos and Magpies had the scores locked on more than one occasion in the second half of an entertaining match.
In the end the only difference was the intensity of the hosts defence and too many turnovers from the Roos.
It was also the master and apprentice show with Cody Tickle setting the win up before Stu Porter came off the bench to score the final try and direct the team home.
