Magic Round lives up to its name as the Group 4 first grade sides put on a show

Group 4 Rugby League ensured it was a weekend to remember at Scully Park as the four undefeated sides faced off against one another and all remained unbeaten after two thrilling draws.

The inaugural NSWRL Magic Round kicked off on Friday and wrapped up on Sunday, with Boggabri Kangaroos, Gunnedah Bulldogs, North Tamworth Bears and Werris Creek Magpies all stealing the show in their round three match-ups.

Gunnedah and Werris Creek went into their fixture on Friday evening having both won two from two to start the new season, and they contested a memorable 20-all draw to begin the three-day event in style.

The Bulldogs led 14-10 at half-time and stretched their lead to 10 points early in the second stanza before the Magpies scored two tries in the final five minutes and converted one of them to lock the score up at 20-all.

Neither side was able to find a game-winning try or field goal in the golden point period and they were forced to share a point each.

Saturday’s Group 4 action saw the Wee Waa Panthers, Moree Boars, Dungowan Cowboys and Kootingal-Moonbi Roosters all line up looking to secure their first points of the season after they all lost their round one and two matches.

The defending champions and the Roosters both registered comfortable victories to give themselves to boost they needed, with Kootingal-Moonbi outscoring Wee Waa 40-10 during the afternoon and Moree taking down the Cowboys 32-10 that night.

There were two NSW Cup matches also contested on Saturday and three more were played on Sunday before Boggabri and North Tamworth met to wrap up a memorable weekend on Sunday night.

North Tamworth were in front 16-12 at half-time and looked to have the game under control as they led 32-16 heading into the final 10 minutes. However, Boggabri stunned them as the Roos piled on three late tries to send the game into golden point at 32-all.

Both sides had chances to win the contest but neither could convert as they too shared a point each.

Those results saw Boggabri remain on top of the table on for and against difference after the four undefeated sides all found themselves locked on five points.

Moree and Kootingal-Moonbi are fifth and sixth with two points each, and Dungowan and Wee Waa make up the bottom two with no points.

There were no reserve grade, under-18s or ladies’ league tag games played across the weekend. Those grades are all back in action this weekend as all teams line up in round four. Saturday’s fixtures see Boggabri host Werris Creek and Gunnedah travel to Dungowan, and Sunday’s games see Wee Waa host Norths and Moree head out to Kootingal.