The Boomerangs accounted for Glen Innes Magpies 48-18 at Moree’s Burt Jovanovich Oval on Saturday while the Hawks went to Ashford Sportsground and snared a 32-8 win over the Roosters in a tough local derby.

Warialda Wombats kept their slim semi-final hopes alive with a big 40-28 win over Moree Boars at Warialda Recreation Showground yesterday.

Kiwi import Osooso Tuala had a massive game, scoring a try for the Wombats while Will Fernando crossed twice and also kicked five goals.

Mitch Parker also excelled for the home side while Chris Holland was best for the Boars, with Brenton Cochrane and Ben Williams both scoring two tries.

At Burt Jovanovich Oval on Saturday, the visiting Magpies opened the scoring with a nice try to winger Dylan Ferris but the Rangs soon set their universe back on balance when second-rower Mundarra Weldon strolled through some flimsy defence to score under the posts followed soon after by a smart Brian Saunders four-pointer.

Glen defended stoutly for the most part and tried hard throughout but the class of the Boomies was always evident as they ran in nine tries to Glen’s three with a mix of pace out wide, a good short kicking game and powerful running from the pack.

“It was a big effort from our blokes, especially when we had a couple of late withdrawals,” Magpie captain-coach Nick Ehsman said. 

“We missed (Jeff) Moate but it was good to have Jarryd Willis back in the lineup.”

The win will put Boomerangs in a confident frame of mind heading into next weekend’s top-of-the-table clash at Inverell against the Hawks in Inverell after the Hawks’ win at Ashford enabled Armidale Rams to move into outright fourth on the table following the Rams’ 44-24 derby win over Guyra Spuds at Rugby League Park.

Nick Dawson, Guy Mepham and Mick Hodges all starred for the Hawks on Saturday, with Mepham also crossing for one of the six Hawk tries as well as booting four goals.

Rod Bull crashed over for two tries for the Hawks while Graham Chard and Tom Lewis excelled for the Roosters who now have a “grand final” at Ashford Sportsground this weekend against the Armidale Rams.

The Roosters can not only keep their semi-final hopes alive but also Glen Innes and Warialda if they win.

Glen Innes will host Warialda in another huge game.