Teams from Tamworth, Maitland and Singleton also took part in the competition, which attracted state-wide interest.

A strong City outfit defeated Muswellbrook and Singleton in the group stage before edging Maitland in the final by a score of 5.5.35 to 3.0.18.

Hosts Muswellbrook started brightly and drew their first match against Singleton, but then suffered heavy losses to both Tamworth and City.

Despite bowing out of the competition with a 49-point defeat to Maitland, Cats backliner Michael Duck said it was positive experience to come up against such tough opponents.

“Some of those teams like City and Maitland brought their premier first division players with them and we’re only in second division,” he said.

“Their speed, skill and size made it difficult to play against, they just weren’t dropping the ball and their kicks were all hitting the mark.

“But it’s better playing against those guys, it brings out the best in you.

“The coach [Brian Scott] said he was impressed with people trying a few things and playing different positions.”

The Cats will now host their major fundraiser, the Yabby Race, tomorrow at The Railway Hotel.