Fresh from learning that he had been selected in the CHS side to tour the UK later this year, the Gunnedah High skipper carried his bat for a brilliant unbeaten 205 as they toppled Tamworth rivals Farrer to be crowned North West champions.

Sent in, McGuirk set the tone from the opening overs coach Adam Mooney reported with some well-timed shots around the ground.

After losing opening partner Myles Conn in the fifth over, McGuirk was joined by Ash White. They established a good partnership until White was run with Gunnedah on 49.

Putting on a batting clinic, McGuirk notched his century just after the drinks break, and then with good support from Braithen Winsor and Oliver Thomas he reached 150 not long after the 30^th over.

His hopes of a double ton were looking a bit shaky when Gunnedah found themselves nine down with about six overs remaining. But Josh Green batted well to defend Farrer's pace assault and hold his wicket, which allowed McGuirk to farm the strike. 

Off the last few overs he struck some beautifully timed lofted drives and pull shots to eclipse 200 as Gunnedah posted a competitive 254.

White and Thomas opened the attack and applied pressure straight away to the Farrer openers with some great line and length bowling.

But while they created plenty of chances in the first 20 overs they were unable to capitalise as Farrer reached 1-93 at drinks. Tight bowling from White, McGuirk and Hudson Dries kept the run rate low but with wickets in hand the match remained in the balance.

A few quick wickets after drinks to McGuirk, Desmond Tuckerman and Dawson Fordham gave Gunnedah the momentum and further tight bowling from White pushed the required rate to 10 an over for the last 10 overs.

He then removed Noah Pitt for 69 to seal the win with Farrer managing only 212 in reply.

McGuirk completed a man of the match performance with 2-22 from his eight overs and some sharp fielding.

Gunnedah High now go on play the North Coast champions.