New England Nomads continued their ominous form with a 34.25-229 to 5.9-39 thrashing of the Moree Suns on Saturday. Gunnedah Bulldogs also recorded a good win over the Tamworth Swans, while the Tamworth Kangaroos received a forfeit from the Narrabri Eagles. In a worrying sign for the Eagles it was their second successive forfeit.

CENTRAL NORTH RUGBY UNION

Walcha were too good for Tamworth trouncing the Magpies 64-nil. Pat Keen scored his second hat-trick in as many games and Dom Bower a double as the Rams produced a second half masterclass to blow the Magpies away, after they were still in the contest at half-time only down 14-nil.

Gunnedah scored 17 unanswered points to get past Quirindi 27-9 and post their first win of the season after a first round draw with the Bulls.

The Bulls were also in the winners circle, restoring bragging rights in their favour with a 45-15 win over arch rivals Narrabri. Five-eighth Jordan Cosh and winger Asesela Drotoni both scored doubles for the home side, who led 21-10 at half-time.

At Scone, the Brumbies and Inverell were locked at 13-all at half-time, Zac Albon kicking the Brumbies to victory with a second half penalty.

Pirates meanwhile ran out 42-7 victors over Barraba to join Walcha on two wins.

NORTHERN INLAND PREMIER LEAGUE

Troy Hearfield’s inclusion wasn’t enough for Tamworth FC as they went down to Norths United at Johnson Field. The former Australian age representative, who played 105 games in the A-League with the Newcastle Jets, Wellington Pheonix and Central Coast Mariners scored FC’s lone goal in their 2-1 loss to the Redmen.

It followed a goal in reserve grade as they went down to Norths 4-2.

Oxley Vale Attunga meanwhile again showcased their title credentials with a 6-1 drubbing of North Companions at Carter Street.

Mushies strikers Luke Purcell and Benn Gennardini scored a hat-trick and a brace respectively.  

The league-leading Mushies led 5-0 at the break, with Companions’ sole goal coming from Ben van Aanholt in the 52nd minute.

The best goal of the match was scored by Dan Cannon in the 84th minute, with his long-range chip too good for Companions keeper Jarrod Whitehouse.

Dave Henry’s goal was the difference as South Armidale defeated Inverell Joey’s 1-nil, after Joey’s had got the points 4-3 in reserve grade.

In the other game Demon Knight’s warmed up for their upcoming FFA Cup clash with Byron Bay with a 3-1 win over East Armidale with Conor and Cal McGregor and Naran Singh finding the back of the net.

GROUP 4 FIRST DIVISION 

Reigning premiers North Tamworth rebounded from a first-up loss to Narrabri with a 96-0 demolition of Collegian on Saturday at Jack Woolaston Oval.

The ruthless Bears scored 17 tries and led 50-0 at the break.

The hapless Warriors have conceded 150 points without scoring a point in the opening two rounds.