The win means the Bulls first graders will have a well-earned break next week while the Red Devils bow out of the Central North Rugby Union title race.

Coach, Damien Kelly, said defence was the most pleasing aspect of his side's win.

"The amount of ball Gunnedah had on our line they probably should have scored two more tries, but our defence was excellent," he said.

"But our kick reception has been an achilles heel of ours all year; after we score our kick reception isn't good and we get stuck in our own half. But we're here another week so we've got another game, win that one and we're in the big one."

Bulls half-back Andrew Pauli opened the scoring for the home side in just the fourth minute of play with almost their first touch of the ball in opposition territory.

20 minutes later Jordan Cosh sliced through the Gunnedah right-hand side defence to extend the lead to 14-3 after Pete Henderson kicked a 15th minute penalty goal to put the visitors on the board.

Red Devils forward Josh Howarth closed the gap to four points five minutes later after they pressured the Bulls goal-line for several minutes.

Moree's pick-and-drive allowed John Adams to get on the scoresheet leading up to half-time before Cameron Kesby crossed next to the posts for the visitors to close to 19-17 at the break.

Second-half tries to Ciaran O'Gorman and Matt Wannan ensured the Bulls kept a safe distance between themselves and Gunnedah for the remainder of the match.

Bulls interchange forward Nick Gelling was sent off after the siren for a deliberate shoulder charge in a collision which brought the crowd to its feet.

"It was unfortunate, but I'm pretty happy I was here to witness it," Kelly said.