Cowboys v Boars - Round 11: Moree too good in wretched conditions | PHOTOS

Ben Williams had just led Moree to a 24-6 win over Dungowan in the mud at Dungowan Recreation Reserve.

On a windy and very cold Saturday afternoon, when rain and sunshine competed, the Boars captain-coach oversaw a seventh win of the season, keeping them in fourth spot with three rounds remaining.

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Back in Group 4 after a long absence, Moree's presence is a key ingredient in the best competition in quite a while.

"To be honest, we're pumped," Williams said. "It's massive for the club at the moment."

Moree are on 14 points with third-placed North Tamworth, who play second-placed Narrabri away on Sunday.

Williams said the Boars were eyeing third spot and a home semi-final.

"I honestly believe we've got the side to do it," he said of winning the premiership, adding: "I'm confident we can go all the way."

Given the atrocious state of the field and a Cowboys side coming off rare back-to-back wins, Moree would have expected a torrid encounter - and that's what transpired.

It was an arm-wrestle for much of the match, although Moree were never headed after No 2 Silas Haines scooped up a loose ball and raced the length of the field to score in the fourth minute.

In the 24th minute, Moree led 10-0 when centre Joe Wade scored in the corner and Adrian Smith converted.

Dungowan struck back in the 33rd minute. No 12 Brett Jarrett charged on to a short ball by his captain-coach Shaun Ferguson, the veteran prop a constant threat all match. Jarrett added the extras: 10-6 at half-time.

When Boars No 13 Brent McDonald crashed over to make it 16-6 after Smith's conversion, Dungowan were in a tight spot - before a 74th-minute try to Boars No 7 Mick Watton sealed the win.

A gritty 34-16 loss to Norths in round five at Jack Woolaston Oval gave Moree "massive confidence", Williams said.

"It sort of turned us around for the year," he said, with Moree then remaining undefeated until losing 24-8 away to Kooty five matches later.

"And we've got Norths next week at home," Williams also said. "So it will be a big test for us."

Williams praised the impact playmakers Mick Watton and Brenton Cochrane were having on the side.

"Even though I'm the coach," he said, "I'm really along for the ride at the moment, with Mick Watton and Brent Cochrane there.

"It's been real good this year. Everyone's just bouncing out of their skin."

Moree 24 (S Haines, J Wade, M Watton, B McDonald tries; A Smith 3 con, S Swan pen goal) d Dungowan 6 (B Jarrett try; Jarrett con).

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