Despite conceding an early try, Temora proved too strong for perennial heavyweights Orange CYMS at the 2017 West Wyalong Knockout on Friday night.
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The green and golds looked dangerous on the edges early and found a way through after three minutes – winger Kurt Beahan racing 40 metres to score as Brock McGarity added the extras - before the big Dragons pack started to get on top.
The Group Nine outfit scored two tries in the last five minutes of the half, the first from new recruit Nathan McGowan, before Adam Reardon pounced on a ricocheted grubber kick from Gavin Kite to take the lead.
Atalea Nefetalai then set up the decisive try, stripping the ball out metres from the Dragons try line allowing Grant Kitchenhand to complete the 18-6 win.
CYMS’ loss paved the way for an ordinary night for the knockout’s Western representatives, with Group 11 champions Forbes going down to Group Nine premiers Southcity.
While early-season Group 10 favourites Bathurst Panthers were also bundled out in the opening round having lost to Albury on a countback.
The Thunder scored the match’s first try, with the final 10-all result good enough for the border club to progress to the quarter-finals.
Gundagai went on to win the knockout 16-4 over Southcity.