The Nick Ehsman-coached Magpies tackle reigning premiers Moree Boomerangs at Burt Jovanovich Oval where the Magpies must win.

They enter the match in sixth place, one point behind Ashford Roosters and Armidale Rams.

The Roosters have a big local derby against the Hawks at Ashford Sportsground while the Rams also have a local derby, but play winless Guyra at Armidale Rugby League Park.

With three round left following the weekend, it is imperative the Magpies beat the Boomies, who were handed a giant scare by Warialda last Sunday.

The Magpies are coming off a big win against Guyra where Craig Browne and Jeff Moate were unstoppable early on in their 54-10 win.

Glen led 28-4 at the break and went on with the job in the second half, scoring a further five tries, including a long- range effort from Browne for his fourth of the day. 

Winger Robbie Guest crossed after a brilliant individual run in which he left several tacklers stranded to give him a double while second- rower Matt Crowhurst deserved his try before leaving the field with a minor hand injury. 

Two of Glen’s tries came from kicks by captain-coach Nick Ehsman including a great chase by replacement forward, Country Under 18 forward Brayden Gallagher, who ran from halfway to beat the defence to the ball. 

Right on fulltime, Laybutt scored a great try for the home team.

“It was a good allround effort,”  Ehsman said.

“We had a couple of lapses but basically we held the ball and played good footy. 

“We got to our kicks and kicked well. 

“Nick Say is going great at fullback since switching from half a fortnight ago. He talks well and his defence is good.

“Browne and Moat were dominant on our left side, especially in the first half.”

Hooker Jamie Watts had a fine game for Glen, in attack and defence, as is his custom.

Inverell Hawks handed Armidale a 56-22 belting at Varley Oval.

Missing a number of players,  the Rams were led by a gallant captain-coach, Clarrrie Moran, while young red-headed Hawk halfback Mitch Lennon also excelled, reckoned Hawks coach Peter Stevens.

“I thought Clarrie had a big game and was easily their best,” Stevens said.

“Young Mitch had another great game for us. He’s a very good young player. 

“But we were pretty poor finishing. We made 14 mistakes in our 21 first-half sets.

“We led 16-nil at half-time but that could have been anything. 

“We made eight or nine breaks and had one man to beat but threw the ball forward or dropped it. 

“We were in the clear three times but couldn’t score. I wasn’t very happy at half-time.”

Aaron Quinlan’s two tries were a highlight while centre Brayden Sunderland also scored and was outstanding for the Hawks along with Guy Mepham and Jayden Connors.