THE Cowboys are riding high and undefeated in the Group 4 Second Division Shield after a big win over Bundarra, while the Uralla Tigers suffered their first loss with a nail-biting golden point loss to Boggabri Kangaroos as Werris Creek Magpies swooped at home on Kootingal Roosters for a big win that was marred by a serious injury that cut the match short at David Taylor Park.
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Werris Creek coach Lindsay Bowne said his side “held the ball for a change” as it charged to a 40-point win before the early finish.
“It’s taken us three games to hold the ball, makes a difference when you do,” he said.
“The ball control was good and we dominated around the rucks with good go-forward.
“We also had some good options out wide, just unfortunate the way the game finished but the safety of the players is paramount.”
Brett Thomas returned from retirement, the former divisional centre, impressing out wide while Jesse Porter, Brendan Hunt, Thomas Brown and Cody Tickle all starred for the Maggies.
Meanwhile, in the Group 4 Second Division Plate Quirindi Grasshoppers notched their first win in two seasons with a good win over Bingara Bullets, Walcha Kangaroos went top of the Plate table with a 24-10 win over Barraba Bulldogs and Manilla Tigers also claimed a maiden victory with a high scoring 50-36 win over Bendemeer Mountain Men.
At Dungowan the Cowboys went clear top of the G4 Second Division Shield table with an emphatic 44-10 point win over the battling Bundarra Bears.
The home side dominated the Bears all over Dungowan Recreation Reserve, the Cowboys pack on the front foot from the whistle, to take a 28-6 half time lead into the sheds.
Following the break the Bears struck back with some good pressure on the line leading to second rower Nick Dawson crashing over, although from there it was all Cowboys, fellow second rower Mark Macauley returning serve with some good footwork and a big fend to cross three minutes later as the Cowboys ran home.
Halfback Matt Wilson said that while it was a scrappy win the side was very pleased with their start to the new season and new format after defeating favourites Werris Creek followed by contenders Boggabri in the opening rounds to remain undefeated.
“We were a bit flat in attack and missed a few opportunities,” Wilson said.
“Our forwards were really good and kept laying the platform but we just couldn’t finish them off on the edges.”
“But we are still on top and there are plenty of positives.”
Wilson kept up his impressive combination with skipper and second rower Clint Ridley, but also thought prop Matt Brady and Macauley were the stand-outs on the day.
Fullback Dylan O’Brien took the referees points, while young winger Karl Withers crossed for a brace, as did centre Brayden Donald, both coming through Farrer and the junior Dungowan system.
“We played well but couldn’t quite finish them off like we wanted to,” Wilson said.
