With at least six first-choice players either injured or unavailable, and further injuries to three others during the game, the Golds tasted defeat for the first time this year to a committed Coolah side.

There were a number of controversial penalty decisions against the Dubbo side but the final scoreline of 20-12 in favour of the locals is in the book.

Defence was the name of the game in the first half as each time searched for gaps close to the ruck.

A try to Ricky Weatherall and a penalty and try to Coolah saw the half-time score at 8-5. Weatherall, described as having more step than the Opera House, got the Rhinos out to 12-8 midway through the second half but the sheer weight of penalties helped the locals to a close, hard-fought win.

Coach Darren Taylor, congratulating Coolah on their win, was pleased with the Golds' performance overall but with the competition that much closer following the defeat he knows that one slip could mean the all-important home ground advantage could be lost.

A short distance away at the picturesque Coonabarabran rugby field the Black outfit were expecting a hard game against the locals, who were languishing near the bottom of the ladder.

Did I say hard? Hard to take more like it.

The visitors totally capitulated against a team that belted them around the paddock like a bunch of bullies and, if it had not been for an outstanding defensive effort from five-eighth-turned-inside centre Scott McKenzie and strong support from Callum Ryan and Luke Gibbs, the final score could have been greater than 50-7.

The home team, led by their front row, was a different side to the one the Blacks beat at Apex in the first round and the teams ahead on the table should now breathe easier knowing they cannot make the semis.

The forwards raided together and provided a platform for the speedy backline to score eight tries, many through feeble attempts at tackling.

In the sheds after the game an angry assistant coach Paul Hausia did not mince words with his charges. Everyone, including the club officials, were embarrassed by the lack of heart in the side.

That defeat, and with two hard games to come, puts the Blacks in danger of dropping to fifth and an away semi at Trangie.

The long list of season-ending injuries to key players throughout the season and the promotion of some to the Gold team has provided an unsettling basis for the Black but after last week's close loss to second placed Yeoval much more was expected from our players on the run in to the finals series.

Next Saturday, July 12, there is a triple-header at home. The high flying Sheilas entertain CSU at midday. This will be followed by the all-or-nothing game of Black against Trangie at 1.30pm. This will be a semi-final come early for both teams and the winner takes the initiative at the right end of the competition

The Gold will then face a determined Wellington side on the improve as the season progresses. This is a 3.15pm kick-off to an expected fast, open contest.