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The Country Championships’ top tier awaits Central North after the side stamped their claim on the Richardson Shield in Bowral on the weekend.
Central North Rugby Union president Tony Byrnes was suitably chuffed with his side’s performance in difficult playing conditions.
It rained throughout the two-day tournament, one of the wettest on record, but Central North was defiant and ran down Southern Inland to win the shield final 20-15.
“They were pretty dedicated out there,” Byrnes told the NVI.
“They played very good wet weather football and all enjoyed their rugby.”
Gunnedah representatives included Josh Leys, Josh Howarth, Scott Mitchell and Cameron Mitchell.
Having secured the shield, Central North is now eligible to challenge for the Caldwell Cup at next year’s championship.
“It will be a step up,” he said.
“But Central North has been there before and performed well.
“We will get the same coaches back and it’s a pretty young side.
“I think we will go alright.”
Byrnes said the region’s colts side performed well too considering the team was still coming together in the days leading up to the tournament.
“They showed some real tenacity which was great,” he said.
Twitter: @samwoods010