It's not often a side gets beaten by 42 points and they can hold their heads high.
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But that was the scenario when North Tamworth remained undefeated this season with a 46-4 win over Boggabri at Jack Woolaston Oval on Sunday - and, in the process, extended their home winning streak to an incredible 41 matches.
The last time the sides met at this ground, in round three, the Bears won 84-0.
Sunday's result illustrates Boggabri's major improvement since then.
In fact, had the Kangaroos had more polish in attack, they could have scored a couple of first-half tries after pinning Norths on their tryline on several occasions. However, Norths deserve credit for keeping them out.
Instead, Boggy went into the break down 24-0 after the Bears turned goal-line defence into swift attack and posted three converted tries in quick succession, before veteran Bears centre Andrew Moodie scored a soft try down the left edge just before halftime.
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The former premiership-winning Pirates No.10 crossed for three tries on the day, to continue his superb return to rugby league.
He picked up two best and fairest points, with another Norths veteran, lock-forward Nic Dobson, getting the three points.
Boggabri's sole try of the match was posted by centre Bailey Lennox late in proceedings, and was greeted by a loud cheer from Roo supporters.
They appreciated the effort their players put in against an opponent who, true to form, never stopped trying to post points - a relentless, high-functioning unit that hurts sides on the scoreboard and in defence in pretty much equal measure.
Roos halfback Jayde Campbell said: "The scoreline doesn't show how much effort we put in.
"Proud of the boys. They really stuck in there."
Proud of the boys. They really stuck in there.
- Jayde Campbell
North Tamworth 46 (Andrew Moodie 3, Zac Nigro, Mitch Sheridan, Shane Wadwell, Ben Jarvis, Jake McManus tries; McManus 7 goals) d Boggabri 4 (Bailey Lennox try). B&F: 3 Nic Dobson (NT), 2 Andrew Moodie (NT), 1 Matt Gillham (B).
