The win promotes Gunnedah inside the leaderboard’s top-five right on time for the top tier cut-off.

Now it’s a race to the finish for top-five clubs who are locked in five-way fight for finals contention and ultimately, a CNRU premiership.

But as competition points carry over from the first half of the season, Narrabri and Moree lead by more than 10 points on the competition leaderboard are all but assured of a grand final play-off.

So the battle for minor placings begins.

“Certainly it’s given us a lift to push on and give this competition another good crack,” Devils co-coach Nik Hannaford said on Monday.

Points were hard earned in Saturday’s arm-wrestle for points at Gunnedah’s Rugby Park.

Neither side held the advantage early in the piece which was reflected in the 17-all scoreline at one point.

The tide turned mid-way through the second half when a driving scrum sent Devils number eight, Lachie Johnson crashing over to score from close range.

More points flowed late in the game to secure the Devils the crucial victory.

 “We had a bit more self belief in ourselves,” Hannaford said.

“It’s good motivation.

“We lost our way against Tamworth the week before (Devils lost 25-22).

“And there were passages we let Inverell back in the contest last weekend... just not urgent enough.

“That’s a fitness thing and I think [the players] understand they’re not quite fit enough.

“But all in all, it was great effort.”

Gunnedah centre Hamish Hockings had an outstanding game and picked up his side’s three points.

Scrumhalf Dave Heyman and Rob Weinthal also accrued best on ground points.

Gunnedah takes the bye this weekend before the their four-week tilt in the top tier begins.

First cab off the rank is the Narrabri Boars at Narrabri on July 11, then Tamworth in Gunnedah. After that the Devils are away against Moree, then back home against the Pirates.

Hannford said wins are a must from here on and the reward of a home semi-final awaits if good results follow.

“If we can win two of these next four games, it should see us sneak into third,” he said.

It was good day all-round for the Devils on Saturday as Gunnedah reserve grade won a close match against Inverell 22-17. The Devils reserves follow first grade into the top tier for the remainder of the season.

The Devils under-16s had a big 56-5 win against Inverell. Gunnedah’s Lachlan Shortis scored four tries and Isaac Reeves two in a well-deserved win for the youngsters.