After being denied 13-5 by Central Coast in a thrilling semi-final on Saturday the Bulls turned things around on Sunday, recording a 41-0 thumping over New England and avoiding relegation from the competition’s top tier.

Central West coach Dean Matthews was proud of the way his boys picked themselves up against New England after a tough opening defeat.

“We spoke to the boys after their first game. We told them not to go out afterwards, and that they had to finish the job the next day,” he said.

“It was unfortunate that we weren’t able to be playing in the final but they turned up today ready and raring to go.”

The Central West boys took control of the match early against New England and never looked in doubt.

Viaan Osten and Bobby Watitty each bagged hat-tricks for the Bulls in the rout.

However, it was a bittersweet weekend for the Bulls, who came agonisingly close to a spot in the final.

Central Coast kicked a pair of penalties to go out to a 6-0 lead in the semi-final before a Josh Jazprizza try got Central West back within a point.

That was the way the scoreboard remained until the closing stages when Central Coast finally broke through for their only try of the match.

“It was a really tough game against Central Coast. We just weren’t able to get the ball out to our backs enough,” Matthews said.

“We had a long trip up here though ... so for the guys to put in the effort they did though was amazing.

“I think our blokes having a rest, even though they had already played a game, really helped them out for their second match.

“Angus O’Connor came into our squad late … he was given the all-clear to play [late]. He ended up being our player’s player.

“Bobby Watitty played really well. Kyle Gibson, from Dubbo, was great and Felix Quinn, from Bathurst, was our captain for the weekend and he was close to being our player’s player as well.”