John Fitzgerald

Despite an early scare, the Blackheath Blackcats’ Mid West Community Cup premiership defence has started according to plan after they snuck home in their match with Portland Colts, winning 10-6.

The Blackcats secured the four point win in the headline match of the opening round of the five-week competition at Kremer Park in Portland on Saturday, September 20.

Portland was also the venue for the earlier Wallerawang Warriors and Kandos Waratahs game, the Warriors convincingly beating Kandos 42-18.

Meanwhile, in the Western Conference, host team Carcoar was beaten 18-12 by Bathurst’s CSU in another close game, after Rockley defeated Woodstock 26-6 in the match prior.

The day marked the CSU club’s return to the field after withdrawing from the Woodbridge Cup at the beginning of the year.

In the leaguetag games, played before the first grade matches at their respective venues, Blackheath had a 20-4 win over Portland, Kandos 20-14 winners over Wallerawang, Rockley defeated Woodstock 12-0, and Carcoar held on for a 16-14 win over CSU.

Round 2 games will be held on Saturday at Blackheath and Woodstock, preceded by the leaguetag games commencing at 11 o’clock.