Gunndedah outclassed Armidale Rams to win 106-4 at Kitchener Park on Sunday. But the Bulldogs face a tougher assignment this weekend against North Tamworth.

Most pleasing for Bulldogs coach Trent Hilton, who has been sidelined with injury, was watching his side near a peak in form at the right end of the season. 

“We’re sticking to our structure and not going away from what’s working for us,” Hilton said.

The cricket-like scoreline was evidence of a dangerous Bulldogs attack. Player’s Player and referee’s three-point recipient Keegan Loughrey was in great form and threatened on every line break. Travis Smith scored multiples alongside Loughrey. But it was in defence where the coach thought the team really shined.

“I thought defensively we worked really well. Armidale had their chances on our line and we kept turning them away,” Hilton said.

Gunnedah led 50-nil at the break and it wasn’t until deep into the second half that Armidale scored their first points of the match.

Rams coach Pat Turley said his troops lacked the physicality of the Bulldogs, a problem compounded by their short staffing.

“We had one bloke on the bench and three under-18s,” Turley said.

“Physically, we weren’t up to it today. The players are not developed enough.”

The few highlights for coach Turley included the repeat set forced off a grubber kick, and the strong covering tackle by centre Aaron Morris early in the game.

For the Bulldogs, the focus now turned to this Sunday’s match against Norths at Kitchener which also coincides with the club’s ladies day. Hilton said the time was ripe for a big upset on home turf, it was just a matter of executing all opportunities afforded them.

“The boys are starting to get some confidence against Norths,” he said. “Last time we played, we had six chances and we blew all six. Even though the scoreline didn’t reflect it, it’s probably the best we’ve played against them.

“They’re the best defensive team in the comp. Our attack is starting to click so we have to slow them down and limit their chances​.”

In other Group 4 grades last weekend, Gunnedah won 34-10 in ladies league tag, meanwhile, the second-ranked Armidale under-18s won 42-8.