In terms of population base the Castlereagh Cougars have but a fraction of that compared to that of their rivals such as Group 10 and 11.

It mattered nought to the Cougars when they came out against the might of Group 10 in their first senior rugby league game, and while they went down narrowly they gained much admiration for their plucky performance in the 14-10 loss.

Up against a fresh and slick Group 11 side in their second outing the Cougars were up against it with the 7-2 penalty count against them mirroring the amount of possession they had during the match.

In fact it was not until the seventh minute of the game that they gained possession for the first time and with their hands on the ball they were able to score.

Unfortunately the weight of possession against them was too telling and Group 11 went on to record a 36-6 victory.

The Bendigo Bank Castlereagh League Tag team also shone on the day. With many of the girls actually only playing their third or fourth game of League Tag it was to be a big ask of them to front up against Group 10, but they did themselves proud, particularly in the first half when they went to the break at 18-12 down.

Group 10 ran away with the game in the second stanza but were generous in their praise of the Castlereagh girls given their lack of experience in the game.

In their second game against Woodbridge experience again was a key factor in their defeat, but once again the girls did themselves and the Castlereagh area proud.

The Bendigo Bank Castlereagh League under-18 team also put in great showing, losing their first game to Group 10 but then downing the President's 13 in their second outing.

The representative players were called on to back up for their clubs on Sunday when Round 3 of the Bendigo Bank Castlereagh League competition was played.

At Coonamble, the visiting Gilgandra Panthers as much lost the game as the Bears deservedly won it

The Panthers constantly put themselves on the back foot and under pressure by conceding penalties and the Bears made them pay dearly for the error of their ways, this being highlighted by a three try scoring blitz whilst a Gilgandra player was cooling his heels in the sin bin.

There can be no doubt that the Bears were the superior side on the day and they ran out hefty 50-26 winners to remain undefeated at the top of the ladder

They also remain undefeated in League Tag after a 42-10 win over the Pink Panthers.

At Coonabarabran the home side featured in their second draw in as many games on their own turf when they drew 18-all with the visiting Gulgong Terriers in a close and exciting game

The third game saw the Coolah Kangaroos claim their first competition points for the season when they downed the Trangie Magpies 40 points to 28