SATURDAY SCOREBOARD: THE LEADER

Magpies No.9 Zac Buckley chuckled through a gaping smile – a winner’s smile – when told his 40-metre try-scoring dart from dummy half was reminiscent of South Sydney hooker Damien Cook.

The try of the match came in the 47th minute and, following halfback Scott Berry’s conversion from in front, Werris Creek led Narrabri 28-10 in the elimination final at the Creek on Saturday, en route to a 42-14 win.

ELIMINATION FINALS

David Taylor Park, Werris Creek.

First grade: WERRIS CREEK 42 (Kieran Williams, Zack Leonard, Stewart Porter, Brad Vidler, Zac Buckley, Harlee Millgate, Scott Berry, Jamie Bailey tries, Scott Berry 5gls) d NARRABRI 14 (Jacob Nichols, Normie Lawler, Brenton Cochrane tries, Josh Trindall gl)

Second grade: BENDEMEER 36 (Leroy Murray 2, Brayden Jerrard, Tyrill Knox, Stephen Yorkshire, Alex Schefe, Jamarley Jerrard, Jai Cain 4gls) d WEE WAA 34 (Rob Dolan, Justin Croaker, Isaiah Adams, Lyndon Murphy, Phillip Vincent, Scott Spencer, Jayden Hayne tries, David Toomey 2, Rob Dolan gls).  

Under 18: NARRABRI 28 (Harry Pattison, Liam Doyle, Rodney Lamb, Tom Hodge, Aaron Baker tries, Pattison 4gls) d KOOTINGAL  24 (Jack Wainwright, Kobi Etcell, Kendall MacTavish, Cameron Kerr tries, Dylan Ciprian 4gls).

Ladies League Tag Tier 1: DUNGOWAN 7 (Paris Knox (5pt try) try, Sarah Stackman gl) d GUNNEDAH 6 (Maddy Adams try, Zoe Fleming gl).

Ladies League Tag Tier 2: BENDEMEER 13 (Summer Reid (5pt try), Judy Lamb, Joan O’Leary tries) d WEE WAA 10 (Antoinette Wenner 2 tries, Telisha Hilderson gl).

AFL North West 

New England 45.18-288 def Moree 1.2-8.

Inverell 18.12-120 def Gunnedah 7.9-51.

Narrabri forfeited against the Kangaroos.

Central North Rugby 

Gunnedah 43  def  Scone 12.

Narrabri 29 def Moree 15.

Quirindi 46  def  Inverell 22.

Pirates 43 def Barraba/Gwydir  21.

Waratah League Division 1 men

The Tamworth Thunderbolts have failed to make back-to-back grand finals after St George downed them 96-78 in a semi-final clash at Hills Basketball Stadium in Sydney on Saturday afternoon.

St George will play the Sutherland Sharks in the grand final at the same venue on Sunday.

Northern Inland Premier League 

East Armidale 9 def South Armidale 1

Demon Knights 2 drew OVA 2