Their victim – Coffs Crushers – to the tune 36-12.

After playing the Coffs Breakers at the same venue a fortnight ago, and several players being involved in representative fixtures last weekend, Coffs Rugby Park is beginning to feel quite familiar to the Pirates.

From the kick-off, the visitors showed a determination that would further evolve as the game progressed.

The first points on the board went to Matt Mane, who chipped a neat field goal in the sixth minute.

The 3-0 advantage appeared short-lived as the Crushers attacked, however the Pirates’ defence remained intact.

The individual brilliance of captain-coach Jordan Macey came to the fore in the 12th minute when he chipped ahead, regathered and placed the ball across the line, extending the margin to 10-0.

Darryl Thompson had an inspirational game, and was awarded the players’ player for his outstanding performance.

In the 31st minute, he broke several tackles and weaved his way through the Crushers, only to have the ball knocked from his grasp as he went for the line.

From the ensuing scrum, which resulted in a win for the Pirates, the ball was swung wide to the backs with Thompson drawing the defence and sending a neat pass to Scott Pagan who crossed in the corner.

The try was unconverted, the lead still 15-0.

Just as the players were about to break for half-time, the Pirates launched one more attacking raid.

Macey held the ball up perfectly to tease the Crushers – and placed a deft pass into the waiting hands of Thompson who scored adjacent to the posts.

Macey added the extras and the Pirates went to oranges 22-0 ahead.

The second period saw a rejuvenated Crushers dominate play as they tried to reduce the deficit.

However, the Pirates held them at bay.

Soon after, the hosts were penalised for a lifting tackle on Tom Vallentine, who injured his ribs. After receiving treatment, he played on.