NATHAN Blacklock destroyed the Bingara Bullets in the first half as Tingha Tigers claimed a 30-20 President’s Cup win at Gwydir Oval, Bingara on Saturday.

Blacklock scored the first two tries for the Tigers to set up an early 14-nil lead, much to the sorrow of the biggest Bingara crowd of the season.

Bingara club president Rod King said the unexpected appearance of Blacklock in the second grade Group 19 match was as lethal as it was stunning.

“The ex-NRL star was the perfect conductor, scoring two tries himself, setting one up and telling the rest of the team what to do,” King said.

He said the side did well to battle back from a 14-nil deficit and actually lead 18-16 at one stage of the second half.

“The Bullets seemed to rush things as passes were dropped,” King said.

“The coach’s instructions were not followed and Tingha made them pay with a try against the odds to Warren Williams with 15 minutes to play.

“Two minutes later they were in again and at 30-16 the minor premiers were home for a good win.

“Dylan Rampling gave the locals joy as he burst through, carried half Tingha to score a great ‘canteen’ corner special, leaving the final score at 30-20.

“A special mention must be made to the Bullets’ bench forwards Brad Chapman, Ben Roberts and Heath Barton,” King said.

“They provided the spark in the first half when the team was going nowhere.

“Barton and Roberts were among the best at this stage and Chapman scored a great try when it was needed.

“Players’ player was Roberts.

“ The supporters picked the best as Tim Morton, Peter Anderson and Ron Picton.

“Picton, until injured, was terrific at fullback.”

Despite the loss, the Bullets are still a chance for the semi- finals but must win against Uralla next Saturday.

The Bingara Missiles will play their final match after a great first-up season.

In other President’s Cup matches, Armidale defeated Guyra 44-20, Uralla beat Glen Innes 50-20 and Inverell topped Warialda 34-18

TABLE: Tingha 28, Armidale 22, Uralla 20, Bingara 12, Glen Innes 12, Guyra 10, Inverell 10, Warialda 6.