Clubs are beginning to make their final run at the top tier, every for and against point starting to count with only two more rounds until the competition splits.

The Magpies put in a valiant effort at Inverell, half a dozen of the Magpie first graders all played good minutes in second grade to save the club from forfeiting, and then played a hand in the Magpies tough 30-24 first grade victory.

The effort galvanised the visitors, as they found their best form of the season to duck under plenty of high tackles and ring up a crucial away win.

In Gunnedah the Narrabri Blue Boars dowsed the Red Devils fire and continued plowing their way towards another finals series, accounting for their neighbours 38-10.

Narrabri’s bonus point seventh win from seven starts keeps them one point behind leaders Moree who are also undefeated, however the Blue Boars are well in front on the club championship table with the Bulls and Barraba behind them.

It was all Moree at Weebolla Oval, the Bulls smacking Barraba 64-3, and making their chance of a top tier spot almost a bridge too far.

Walcha on the other hand turned it on against Scone to all but book their spot in the tier, sitting in third.

The Rams kept a clean sheet while pouring the points on themselves, eventually beating the visiting Brumbies 72-nil at Captain Cook Oval.

Scone are battling this season and have only notched up a single victory, sitting one place ahead of the winless Quirindi, who are nothing if they are not gallant.

Pirates coach Andrew Verrell applauded the Lions for their never give up attitude on and off the field.

“They battle with numbers and other things but always show up and play the grades,” Verrell said.

“They are a good club and a good bunch of blokes.” 

Nic Pearson shone at hooker for Pirates, as did skipper Andrew Wynn and lock Jack Shelton.

For Quirindi Jake Cameron lead the forwards well from the back, with Lachy Proctor also impressing with a tough day at fullback.

Coach Nick Rees said the boys played some good footy for 20 minutes in the second half, and saw the game as an improvement despite the result.

“Last year that would have been 120-nil,” Rees said.

“We are coming along and will get better games when the comp splits.”