All six clubs were on display, and with the majority of players having their first hit out in a fair space of time, the standard on display was very good.

Also, there were no blowouts in the scoreline which meant all seven games were very competitive and played in the right spirit and referees didn’t have to use the sin-bin at any stage.

Hillston was the victors on the day coming from behind to edge out a game Goolgowi outfit by 14-12 in a top encounter. The Rabbitohs started in bright style with a try to fullback Billy Hale who stepped around a number of would-be defenders on a 50-metre charge to the line.

Just six minutes later, the Bunnies were in again when second rower Ethan Byrne stepped around the defence to touchdown outside, and with the Billy Hale conversion, the Goolgowi side was up 12-0.

The Bluebirds came back and had their chances but could not get the ball over the line as the Rabbits defence held strong. Then as the timekeepers reached for the siren to blow halftime Hillston struck when Billy Overall went over after bright lead up play from Sam Fenson. With the conversion from Daniel Millthope, the Rabbitohs lead was six heading into halftime.

The Bluebirds started brightly in the second 20 minutes and at the 10-minute mark were able to level the scoreline as big winger Conrad McGinty was over in the corner and able to convert his own try.

With time ticking down and officials talking extra time Goolgowi gave away a penalty and McGinty again stepped up to the mark to send the ball sailing between the posts and Hillston were home with a two-point win.

For the winner’s, Sam Fenson was named Man of the Match and he will be a big asset to the Bluebirds as the season unfolds while five-eighth Mark Rathmell looks the goods, Daniel Millthorpe, Nathan Douth in the second row, halfback Tom Brett Schnieder, fullback Ben Robertson and second rower Chaise Cashmere played well in what was really a team effort.

For the Rabbitohs, they will improve so to will all the others. Fullback Billy Hale is a talent while halfback Mitch Cooper, Lexi Firebrace in the second row, centre Laurie Sandford and hooker Harry Roberts were among the best in Red and White.

Full Time Score

Hillston 14 (Billy Overall, Conrad McGinty tries; Conrad McGinty 2, Daniel Millthorpe goals) def Goolgowi 12 (Billy Hale, Ethan Byrne tries; Billy Hale, Lexi Firebrace goals)