Group 4: Scott Blanch and Kyle Cochrane led best and fairest race

Blanch led the North Tamworth Bears to Sunday’s 42-16 win over unbeaten Gunnedah Bulldogs at Jack Woolaston Oval and Cochrane spearheaded the Roosters in their 66-18 victory over Dungowan Cowboys at Kootingal Oval on Saturday.

Blanch’s three points took him to the outright lead in the B&F on seven points with Cochrane second, just a point astern.

Boggabri prop Jay Urquhart also polled the three points, albeit in a losing side, grabbing the major points in his side’s heartbreaking 40-39 loss to Narrabri at Jubilee Oval on Saturday.

He sits in equal third place on the table with five points, equal with Gunnedah pair Dylan Lake and David Smith as well as Kootingal prop Brodie Sowter.

Boggabri coach Shane Rampling said Urquhart has been outstanding for the Kangaroos – a consistent hard runner and defender deserving of one B&F point he received. 

Rampling also praised Roos five-eighth Kialu Brown, who received one B&F point. Narrabri five-eighth Brenton Cochrane got two points.

“He [Brown] had a massive game. [He] was dangerous every time he touched the ball,” Rampling said.

Even Narrabri coach Wayne Saunders recognised Brown’s effort, after extolling the games of try-scoring hooker Jacob Nichols, prop Daniel Jobson and Cochrane.

“He [Brown] had a ripper of a game, probably the best player on the paddock and got them back into it,” Saunders said.

Kyle Cochrane was delighted to receive the three points.

He made some big runs, jarred a few Cowboys with some crushing defence and scored one slashing 50m try.

“We’ve got a good side. [It’s] good to be back playing with the boys,” he said.

Originally from Goodooga, he played with Scone Thoroughbreds in Group 21 last year but found the travel excessive and now has the short trip out to Kooty to train and play with the Roosters under coach Geoff Sharpe.

“We had a good win over North Tamworth and played well again today [Sunday] against Dungowan,” the former winger

“It doesn’t matter where I play as long as I’m out there and playing with my mates.”

Best and fairest table:

(Compiled by Geoff Newling)

7: Scott Blanch (North Tamworth)

6: Kyle Cochrane (Kootingal-Moonbi)

5: Dylan Lake, David Smith (Gunnedah), Brodie Sowter (K), Jay Urquhart (Boggabri)

4: Shaun Ferguson (Dungowan)

3: Kialu Brown (B), Scott Berry, Thomas Brown (Werris Creek), Matt Brady (G), Fraser Evans (D), Daniel Jobson (Narrabri)

2: Hayden Smith (G), Ryan Martin (K), Brenton Cochrane (N)

 1: Jamie Bailey, Harley Milgate (WC), Ben Haire (Bogg), Jacob Nichols (N), Ethan Collins, Matt Wilson (D), Mitch Doring, Sam Taylor (K), Ben Gardner (G), James Cooper, Jake McManus (NT)