John Fitzgerald

Trundle and Cargo announced themselves as premiership contenders with their respective round 6 victories over Manildra Rhinos and Oberon Tigers.

Manildra were beaten 20-12 by Trundle Boomers and Oberon by Cargo Blue Heelers 10-6.

The Rhinos and Tigers, last year’s grand finalists, with their losses, have allowed unbeaten Trundle to clear out to a 3 point lead and outright leadership.

Far from a two-horse race, the Boomers and Blue Heelers have opened up the competition, and just 1 point separates the three teams sitting below Trundle as the clubs head towards their round 7 games.

Orange and Cowra, together on 6 points, sit just outside the top five, ahead of Peak Hill, Canowindra and Molong on 4 points.

Eugowra have had just one win, and Grenfell sits alone at the bottom of the table.

The next round of matches will see Oberon tested, in the match of the round, against ladder-topping Trundle – a game that could see the Boomers increase their lead over the reigning premiers by 5 points – or a loss pull them closer back to the pack.