Although the final score wasn’t officially recorded, it’s believed Goondiwindi won Saturday’s clash five tries to three.

“Gundy were very good as they always are,” Bulls first grade coach Peter Copeman said.

“We beat them last year and they beat us this year.

“Their competition starts this week, so they’ve been into it for a bit.”

The trial match was an opportunity to give all players a run, so Copeman said there was a lot of player swapping, especially as reserve grade were short in numbers.

Despite that, he said first grade went well and were particularly strong in their defence.

“It was a good hit-out for everyone,” he said.

“It’s more about having a game and getting a bit of fitness up.

“Considering they were thrown together, they went pretty well.

“We have some new guys, so it takes a while for everyone to get to know everyone.”

Copeman is happy with how things are shaping up ahead of the 2018 season, with good numbers attending training each week.

“We’ve been getting between 35 and 48, depending on what’s on,” he said.

“Most Thursdays we’re getting 40 or more which is really good.

As the start of the 2018 season looms closer, the next few weeks will be spent working out teams and working on the side’s structure of attack.

“Once we get a few runs under our belt and get that sorted out, I think we’ll go really well,” Copeman said.

The Bulls will head to Croppa Creek this Saturday to participate in the annual Croppa Creek Crows Gala Day.

“It’s a good day out, we always go there to support them as they always support us,” Copeman said.

They will have a break over Easter before facing Inverell Highlanders on Saturday, April 7 for round one of the 2018 Central North competition.