Mark Hale and the boys now have a couple more emerging – and fast, too.

Dubbo smashed Wentworth 4-1 to reaffirm its position as a likely contender to Mudgee’s throne this season, but you can now add Duntryleague and pool B clubs Cowra and Forbes to the race after all three secured commanding first-up wins on Sunday.

Playing at Mudgee, Duntryleague squashed a Cusack-laden Wellington division one line-up’s ambition of a strong start to the year with a 3-2 victory.

Also in pool A, Dubbo thumped Wenty 4-1, kicking off Dubbo’s sweep of all four divisions against the Orange club.

In pool B action, Cowra scrambled together a 3-2 victory over a Bathurst side dubbed one of the club’s strongest division one units in some years, while Forbes scored a 4-1 win over rivals Parkes on the back of the Betlands, John and Steve.

Mudgee begins its campaign against Wellington in all four divisions at the Wentworth Golf Club this Sunday.

In lower grades, Wellington defeated Ex-Services 4-1 in division two and division three.

Duntryleague’s lower divisions had a round one bye.