Bears backs, bar halfback Kieran Fisher, all scored tries, centre Brad Marshall, wingers Dan Boland and Heath Falkenmire also scoring twice while five-eighth Richard Clegg scored a try and booted 13 goals for a 30-point harvest.

It was a powerful display from the Bears, who led 46-nil at half time and never let up.

“Ninety nil, I can’t complain about that,” said captain-coach Zac Russ.

“It was probably the most complete game we’ve played this year. Great we didn’t let them score but our forwards led the way today. Big Billy (Jeffery), Luke (Byrnes) and Ky (RuRu) kept taking it up and giving us room in the first half. We just made sure we completed or sets.”

With the Bear forwards carving their way forward Scott Blanch (hooker) and Kieran Fisher (halfback) directed much of the mayhem with big backrower Shane-Leigh Wadwell also starring.

Gunnedah captain-coach Trent Hilton never stopped trying and fullback Aaron Donnelly was also close to the Bulldogs’ best.

The visitors had arrived with a shortage in numbers, so much so that seven or eight of the Under 18s finished their 36-16 loss to the Bears and ran on for second or first grade.

Second grade star Farran Lamb changed jumpers after a full game in seconds to play a full game on the wing in first grade as well.

It was always going to be a major test for the club, said first grade co-coach Wayne Griffiths. “We had nine out, injured or working,” Griffiths said.

“On top of that we have lost 11 players from last year. “Saturday football doesn’t suit us at all, but we can’t make excuses.

“North were too good but our boys kept trying too.

“North were fantastic. They play through you and capitalise on your mistakes, while not making mistakes themselves.”

He thought Trent Hilton and Aaron Donnelly were outstanding in a badly beaten side.