In the first game between Barellan and Ivanhoe in which the Rams were the popular pick, it was the Roosters who surged home to win by 28 points to eight in what can only be described as a very impressive pressure performance.

Ivanhoe fielded a number of new faces with none more impressive than young winger Jamie Whyman who showed sizzling speed on his way to a two-try effort. Barellan's best were captain Ben Evans, fullback Albert Gibson and prop Greg Bonetti.

Game two was tipped to be a close contest, but Goolgowi ran out solid winners by 28 points to nil after leading 10-nil at halftime.

Narrandera was without four of its top players but let themselves down by making mistakes. The Rabbitohs were missing playmaker Danny Graham and prop Jeremy Young but at times turned in some enterprising football.

Goolgowi had good performers in centre Billy Hale, his partner John Michael Cahill, fullback James Fallon, lock Alex Brown and hooker Laurie Sandford.

While the Lizards will improve, centre Wade Williams, halfback Jason Mathews, hooker Corey Ingram and replacement Shaun Lyons played well.

In the third game, which ended up an exciting contest, premiers Rankins Springs surged home to nail Hillston in the final seconds to claim victory by 22 points to 20.

The Bluebirds looked to be in control at halftime when they lead 14-0, but following the break, the home side began to whittle away at the lead, firstly when five-eighth Damien Walker scored and converted to make it 14-6.

Fullback Billy Vearing added to the Springs tally with a converted try, and it was 14-12 before the Bluebirds broke away again after centre Michael Haines touched down for his third try and it was 20-12. Dragons centre Todd McCarten went over for Walker to add the extras and the Dragons had pulled the scoreline back to within just two points.

Walker levelled it up with a penalty goal, and as the timekeeper reached for the hooter, Hillston gave away a further penalty, and Walker kicked the goal, and the Springs were home with a 22-20 victory.

The Dragons had a stack of good players especially in the second half with lock Billy Overall, Todd McCarten, Brent Parsons and prop Josh Johnson having big games. Hillston showed a vast improvement on last year's form and had good service from Haines, five-eighth Mark Rathmell, lock Jock Potter, second rower Michael Stalley and Ben Pittman.