CENTRAL West took out its representative Australian rules clash with Northern Riverina by 40 points at Hillston’s Stan Peters Oval on Saturday, inspired by a best on ground performance from Orange Tiger Tim Barry.

From centre-half-forward Barry slotted eight goals in the win to help his side avenge its 2014 loss and regain the Matt Smith Memorial Shield for the first time since 2012.

“I was injured last year and had to watch on at Wade Park, which was frustrating so it was good to get back into it,” Barry said.

“Getting best on ground was just a bonus, it was just a really good game of footy actually and all our guys played well.”

Barry said his side all but led from start to finish, and despite a jittery third period Central West came home strong in the final term to secure the win.

“We got away to a quick start, we were up by about three goals at half-time, but we’d dominated a bit so it felt like we should have been up by more,” Barry said.

“Riverina kept coming at us, and stuck with us there. We were quiet in the third quarter, and they got right back in it but a really good last quarter from us got us over the line.

“We knew if we matched it with them physically we could get over the top on the back of our speed and run, which happened in the end.”

Barry heaped praise on Central West’s defensive unit, particularly Bathurst’s Jack Vogan, for its crucial role in the victory.

“Our forwards played well, but our whole back line did a really good job keeping it tight back there,” Barry explained.

“Jack Vogan was very, very good, as were Daniel Bruce and Chris Rothnie. 

“Our midfield did a good job too. Josh Bubnich was strong, and Leigh Turner in the ruck was one of our best.

“He got us first use of the ball a lot which made a big difference.”

The win in the seniors completed a clean sweep for Central West after victories in the under 12, under 14 and under 17 fixtures earlier in the day.

CENTRAL WEST 23.17 (155) def NORTHERN RIVERINA 16.19 (115)