AFL NORTH WEST
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It was a bloodbath at Bellevue Oval, with New England crushing the Swans 41.28-274 to 2.2-14.
In Moree, the Kangaroos beat the Suns 20.20-140 to 10.14-74.
CENTRAL NORTH RUGBY UNION
Pirates claimed the competition lead with a 57-10 away win over Quirindi. The bonus point was enough to put them ahead of Walcha, who had a hard-fought 13-5 result against Gunnedah.
It was also tight at Barraba where Inverell edged out the Rams 40-36, while Moree defeated Scone 42-10 and Narrabri accounted for Tamworth 31-10.
Second grade: Gunnedah 17 d Walcha 12, Tamworth 13 d Narrabri 12, Tamworth d Quirindi on forfeit, Moree 67 d Scone 0, Inverell d Barraba on forfeit.
Under 19s: Tamworth 52 d Narrabri 24, Pirates d Farrer on forfeit
Under 17s: Tamworth 10 d Narrabri 5, Pirates d Farrer on forfeit
NEW ENGLAND RUGBY UNION
Glen Innes/Guyra have recorded their first win as a combined side at Armidale's Moran Oval, defeating the Blues 23-19 in a thriller.
In a match that was at times tight and at other times sloppy, the visitors prevailed despite scoring two tries to Armidale's three.
Armidale's pace out wide always threatened, with Samson Bai and Lachie Pollard looking dangerous with ball in hand, but it was the Glen-Guyra forwards, lead by Lisa Silicon, Fergus MacIntosh and Tommy Clever who proved the difference.
In a nail biting finish, the GhostStags held on to convert a vital penalty in the last minute after Armidale had scored a late try to close to within a point.
Despite 5 yellow cards, the match was played in good spirit, with Armidale's Ian "Danger" Ranger outstanding despite a trip to the naughty chair, while for the mountain men none were better than 18 point hero Pate Kaufana.
At Alcatraz, Albies defeated Barbarians 34-14 with captain Alex Pay leading from the front, supported by Will Turner. in his best game of the season, and Sam KnIght.
Barbarians Luke Heagney and evergreen Keith Ellis tried valiantly to rally the troops, but couldn't match the students.
Albies also won second grade 61-8 in a convincing display, and third grade 34-7.
In the Ladies, the honours were shared with Albies Bonny Wee Lassies winning the first match 22-10 but the Barbets restoring pride on Ladies Day 15-0 in the second match.
Robb College meanwhile defeated the Gwydir River Rats 36-11 in their second grade clash, William Scholes scoring a double to get them home.
NORTHERN INLAND PREMIER LEAGUE
There was only one Round 7 fixture played after the three games scheduled for Tamworth were all postponed.
Norths United continued their surge with a 5-1 win over East Armidale, and will have the chance to go to the top of the table with their rescheduled first round clash with Inverell Joey’s to be played on Sunday.
Declan Druitt scored the lone goal of the first half and added another in a four goal second half from the Redmen.
Earlier they hammered Easts in reserve grade 13-2 with Jacob Freeman scoring five goals and Liam Georkas three.
Meanwhile in the washed out first round match-up between Demon Knights and South Armidale next door it was a game of two halves. A brace to Naran Singh helped DK to a 3-nil lead at half-time but the Scorpions scored the only two goals of the second half as DK snuck home 3-2.
They also took the points in reserve grade 2-1.
GROUP 4 SECOND DIVISION RUGBY LEAGUE
Bendemeer played with a resolve against the Roosters on Saturday that was missing from their game in a winless 2016, but they still came up short – just.
A late try to Roosters winger Tom Gould earned the visitors the win, with the final scoreline 40-36.
The Magpies defeated Walcha 28-26, despite playing with only 13 men.
“The boys gave there all and showed the true Magpie spirit. Well done boys,” the club said on their Facebook page.
NORTHERN TIGERS REP MATCHES
Both Greater Northern Tigers representative sides lost to Central Coast outfits in Denman on Saturday.
The Ladies League Tag side lost 22-10 to what was described as a well drilled and fast Central Coast side.
“Our girls played some great league Tag but it was unforced errors that hurt us – energy, possession and position wasn't on our side,” Group 4 said on their Facebook page. “Our two tries came from well-constructed plays, which was pleasing.”
Tiff Walsh was voted players player for the Tigers.
The Tigers under 23 side was thumped 68-8 by “a very well drilled, fast and skilful Central Coast side”.
“Our Guys didn't stop trying but we seemed to be one or two steps off the pace,” Group 4 said. “The skill level was there but the fitness seemed to be lacking. Credit to the boys for giving it their all till the end.”
Issac Austin and Rohan Pottinger voted joint players player for the Tigers.