Henry Miller, Patrick O’Hara, Jackson Cantrill and Drew Hope all stared for the Central West side that was drawn into a tough pool that featured Sydney-based teams Gordon, Penrith and Northern Suburbs.

Central West were thumped 43-5 in its opening game against Gordon before them responded with a narrow 19-17 win over Northern Suburbs.

The final pool game saw a 26-0 loss to Penrith, which meant Central West finished third in its pool and progressed to a play-off match against Hunter. 

It may have been low scoring but Central West walked away with a 10-5 win against Hunter to set up a play-off for ninth against Central North. 

Central West was able to score a last minute try through Patrick O’Hara to win 12-7, after an evenly poised contest.  

Team coach Phil English said the last minute try was “beautiful” to watch.

“It was tight all game,” he said.

“We’d been talking about using the blind side in the game and Patty’s try was beautiful. 

“It came from about 50 metres out and put a smile on all the coaching staff.

“It was a traditional halfback try. It was some individual brilliance.” 

The victory meant Central West was the number one ranked under 13s country team.

One of the highlight’s of the under 13s campaign was the win over Northern Suburbs according to English.

“It’s always good to get a win over one of the Sydney-based clubs,” he said.

“It’s always difficult to play some of those teams and we’re going up against some of the best Sydney and even the ACT and Victoria has to offer.

“This year and last we were drawn into the pool of death but we got some really satisfying results.”

English, who is Mudgee-based, praised the effort of the Bathurst boys.

“There must be something in that Bathurst water they’re drinking,” he said. 

“They were all excellent.”