Pirates blew Gunnedah away in the first half before repelling a second half charge from the home side to plot a course back to the winners circle on Saturday.
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The Red Devils threw everything at them in the second half, stand-in Pirates coach Conrad Starr said, but the premiers’ defence was superb as they snapped a two-game losing run 28-7.
“There were some really good signs there for sure,” Starr said.
The intensity and urgency were a lot better than they have been their last two games, particularly in defence.
“We probably had the most points we’ve had scored against us in those two games,” he said.
“It was something we wanted to stiffen up.”
He said they really worked hard for each other, which they had to do especially when they went down a man for 10 minutes.
“It would have been hard. The boys were defending for long periods of time,” Starr said.
“Gunnedah had a lot of ball and were down in our 22 for extensive periods of time.”
“I was really impressed with their line defence.”
They repeatedly repelled the Red Devils’ raids, holding them to just the one try
He said it was a bit of a dog fight the whole game. They just probably had a bit more ball in the first half, and generally made good use of it.
Winger Wesley Rooney bagged a double, the backs doing all of the damage on the scoreboard.
Starr said Bart Leach had a very strong game at hooker.
Stand-in captain Ben Goodman also led the side well while Sam Collett at 13 played one of the best games Starr has seen him play.
Moree maintained their hold on top spot with a 32-19 win over Barraba/Gwydir, winger Ashley Duncan crossing twice as they converted a 20-7 lead into their 12th win.
Inverell meanwhile outscored Scone 15-5 in the second half to account for the Brumbies 25-18 and make it two in a row, while Walcha continued their charge with a 97-10 drubbing of Quirindi.
Winger Richard Young pursed four tries and Keen brothers Pat and Charlie a double as the Rams moved into third (on wins).
