WEST Lions almost reached the ton when they demolished Armidale Rams by 80 points in Armidale yesterday and reigning Group 4 premiers North Tamworth Bears also racked up 80 points in a 14 try-demolition of Narrabri Blues in Tamworth.
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The Lions crossed for 17 tries when they beat Armidale Rams 98-18 at Rugby League Park, Mitch Dening, DJ Smith, Sam Taylor, Phil Beaton and returning Kyle Cochrane all posting try doubles. Taylor notched a total of 30 points after also kicking 11 goals.
At Jack Woolaston Oval the North Tamworth Bears were flexing their premiership muscle, converting a 24-nil half time lead into an 80-4 walkover against the Blues.
James Duchatel, Dan Boland, Scott Blanch, Shane Wadwell and his brother Brock all crossed for two tries while Richard Clegg kicked 12 goals for a 28-point haul.
Narrabri captain-coach Lachlan Cameron was stunned by the second half blowout.
"At half time we were quite happy," he told The Leader.
"Norths had had four or five chances and took four, we had had four or five chances and took none.
"Full credit to them though, the second half they just rolled over us. Our defence was pretty ordinary."
Defence, said North coach Brad McManus, was a focal point.
"We can build our year on that," he said of a season-best display in attack and defence.
"We've been working on our defence, it just didn't happen today. We've been working hard on it and we kept the roll-on.
"That's the best we've played and just goes to show what they can do when they put their minds to it."
The Wadwell brothers were in outstanding form, both scoring try doubles and Brock coming up with one of the best chip and regather tries of the year.
A back muscle injury to centre Jake McManus was the only dampener on the day, the talented centre coming off midway through the first half.
In the other game Gunnedah all but ended Oxley Diggers’ hopes of a first finals series with a 46-16 win at Scully Park.
Meanwhile, Group 21 competition leaders Scone beat Denman 70-nil at Scone Park yesterday in a game called off with around 15 minutes left and the Devils down to eight players.
"It wasn't real good," said Scone captain-coach Daniel Ritter.
"Nothing much to report."
Aberdeen had beaten Singleton 28-20 on Saturday night while Muswellbrook beat Greta Branxton 42-6 at Greta Oval yesterday afternoon.
