Only a week after defeating last year’s premiers Coffs Breakers, the Pirates hammered the other 2009 grand finalists, Coffs Crushers, 44-8 at Stuart Park in round three.

The visitors struck early with a penalty goal, 3-0, following a Pirates’ ruck infringement.

The hosts replied very quickly with an expansive backline movement, which found Lucas Webb evading the Crushers’ fullback to score out wide.

Port Macquarie’s pack maintained their impressive form of past weeks to match Coffs.

Newcomer Tom Emes, who replaced the injured Matt Mane and had only just stepped off an international flight, inspired the Pirates with his strong defence.

Winger Simon Anderson then made an impressive sideline run, which threw the Crushers into disarray.

The Pirates’ backline tried too hard in the early stages and handling errors crept into their game.

When captain-coach Jordan Macey landed a penalty, the home side led 10-3.

The forwards’ dominance allowed the Pirates to spin the ball wide to their elusive backs.

An injudicious kick by the harried Crushers was taken by Tim Platt, who carved through and kicked ahead.

A penalty from the scrum, deep in Coffs’ territory, ironically saw Platt dive over. Although the conversion went astray, the Pirates surged ahead 15-3.

In defence, Ben Nolan, Nick Dobson and Chad Joseph were relentless, giving the Crushers no space.

Heath Morgan also tackled himself to a standstill again.

The Crushers continued to kick to Platt, who made huge inroads each time.

Just prior to half-time, the ball was passed out to winger Chris Turnham. He evaded two defenders, chipped ahead, regathered and scored, giving the team a handy 20-3 advantage at the interval.

The second period started at an intense rate.

After a succession of penalties, Coffs was able to cross the tryline to reduce the margin to 20-8.