Inverell Saints, Moree Suns and Gunnedah Bulldogs all kicked over 100 points as they notched big wins.

At Gunnedah, the Bulldogs toweled up last years grand finalists Tamworth Kangaroos 23.21 (159) to 5.3 (35) with Mitch Swain booting five goals, and Jacob Spackman, coach Greg Piggott and Ben Maher four.

Piggott had his four by half-time, the home side going into the long break up by 74 points after a scorching 45-point second term that blew the Roos out the game.

They failed to register a goal in the first half, not that they had many opportunities. The Bulldogs in the second quarter, restricted them to just one shot on goal.

In the other games Inverell were 23.11 (149) to  5.4 (34) over the Tamworth Swans, while Moree defeated Narrabri 18.17 (125) to 9.6 (60)

CENTRAL NORTH RUGBY UNION

Premiers Pirates started their title defence with a 47-25 win over Scone with number eight Conrad Starr scoring a double. 

Walcha were the biggest first round winners belting Quirindi 88-17. Narrabri meanwhile Narrabri thrashed Barraba 61-5 and Inverell chalked up a 48-12 win over Tamworth with fullback Dylan Lewis pursing a hat-trick, while at Gunnedah the Red Devils and Moree drew 21-all.

Both sides had penalty kicks to break the deadlock, after Red Devils outside centre Aisea Raitala had scorched the Bulls defence outwide and Darrell Morrison added the extras to level with just over 15 minutes to go.

The Bulls had two in the last three minutes of the game, the second with 20 seconds on the clock but were unsuccessful.

2nd Grade results: Pirates 27 def Scone 8, Narrabri def Barraba on forfeit, Moree 43 d Gunnedah 18, Walcha def Quirindi on forfeit, Tamworth 22 d Inverell 13.

Under 17's results: Narrabri 42 d Tamworth 10

Under 19's results: Tamworth 40 d Narrabri 33

GROUP 4 SECOND DIVISION

Kootingal-Moonbi remained undefeated with an exciting 22-20 win over the Magpies at Werris Creek on Saturday.

There were several lead changes, with the Roosters securing the win when fullback Anthony Smith scored following a jinking solo run late in the second half and then produced a try-saving tackle.

The Roosters led 16-12 at the break.

In other results Bendemeer defeated Manilla 48-36, Walcha thrashed Bingara 60-12, Barraba edged out Bundarra 28-26 and Uralla got up 24-20 over Dungowan.

Meanwhile in the Ladies League Tag Kootingal accounted for Werris Creek 20-8, Bendemeer got the points against Manilla 30-6, Barraba brushed aside Bundarra 32-4 and Uralla were 16-10 winners over Dungowan.

GROUP 19 RUGBY LEAGUE

A 40-point haul from Narwan speedster Jordan Moran ensured the Eels claimed bragging rights in the local derby against Armidale Rams. 

The diminutive winger scored five tries and nailed 10 goals from 11 attempts in the home side’s 90-nil rout of their cross-town rivals. 

NEW ENGLAND RUGBY UNION

Round 4 results

1st Grade: Robb College 29 defeated Guyra / Glen Innes 5, Armidale Blues 38 defeated Barbarians 13

2nd Grade: Armidale Blues 31 defeated Barbarians 17, St Alberts College 22 defeated Gwydir Rats 8

3rd Grade: Armidale Blues 68 defeated Barbarians 12, Robb College 31 defeated St Alberts College IV 19

Women's 7's: Game 1 - Barbetts 22 defeated Armidale Blues 10, Game 2 - Barbetts 22 defeated Armidale Blues 0

NORTHERN INLAND PREMIER LEAGUE

Round 3 first grade action saw two draws, with Oxley Vale Attunga and Norths United playing out a 1-all draw, and competition leaders North Companions and Demon Knights sharing the points 2-all.

Companions and DK both benefited from a penalty goal in their clash at Marius Street.

The home side scored first through striker Brodie King, before Dirk Burton converted from the spot early in the second half to make it 1-1.

Demon Knights took the lead when left winger Cal McGregor headed in a free kick, with North striker  Ben Van Aanholt equalising from the spot.

At Carter Street Glen McKnight found the back of the net for the Mushies and Jason Boundy for Norths.

In the other game in Tamworth, Tamworth FC got up in a firey encounter against South Armidale 2-1. Both sides had players sent off, Souths losing Jamie Wright and Tamworth FC Cameron Manks.

Beau Langenbaker and Ryan Davidson were the goalscorers for the home side with Wright slotting the Scorpions’ goal.

Joeys FC meanwhile posted their first win for the season with a 5-3 result against East Armidale.

Joeys also got up in second grade 3-1.

Two goal margins were the theme of the day with Tamworth FC and North Companions both prevailing in their clashes 2-nil while OVA defeated Norths 4-2 on the back of a double to Matt Scott.