Group 4: Kooty Roosters down Narrabri Blues 26-14 at Rugby Park | PHOTOS

The Blues came to Tamworth undefeated after three rounds.

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They left with their reputation intact, while the Roosters' reputation has been enhanced - as has their confidence, no doubt.

There were periods of play when the Blues had Kooty under sustained pressure, especially when their coach and No 13, Jake Rumsby, scored a powerful try inside the Roosters' 10m zone in the 57th minute.

And then Blues No 9 Jacob Nichols scored a long-range solo try nine minutes later.

Nichols converted his touchdown from in front, and it was 16-14 to the Roosters after it was 16-4 at the break.

Kootingal-Moonbi's response was emphatic: first veteran second-rower Phil Beaton scorched Narrabri's defenders to score in the 70th minute.

And then Roosters centre Liam Hatch crossed in the corner in the 76th minute after his skipper and No 1, Jordan Sharpe, found himself in open space in Narrabri's half and then rifled a long ball to Hatch.

"We had to work really, really hard to get that win in the end," Roosters coach Geoff Sharpe said, adding: "It's just been a good win for the club."

Kooty have three wins and are second behind North Tamworth on the ladder, while Narrabri have slipped to fourth. Gunnedah are in third place.

Kootingal-Moonbi 26 (J Sharpe, L Hatch, K Cochrane, P Beaton, L Hatch tries; S Taylor 3 goals) d Narrabri 14 (K Wallace, J Nichols, J Rumsby tries; Nichols goal)

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