Pirates were again in the contest, but fell just short in a five-wicket loss to Taree United at Wayne Richards Park on Saturday.

Returning opener Mark Jackson (37) laid the foundation at the top of the order as Pirates compiled a respectable 6-155 off their 40 overs.

Tom Connolly (19), Gary Humphreys (32) and captain Ben Woodward (18) all chipped in before United chased the total down with 18 balls to spare.

“We’re not far away,” Woodward said.

Connolly and Jackson took Pirates to 0-60 at the drinks break before they accelerated in the second half of the innings.

Despite another loss, the captain wasn’t overly disappointed.

“It was a pretty promising performance overall,” he said.

“Previously we would have been bowled out for 110 when we tried to push on, but no one needlessly threw their wickets away.”

With the ball, Adam Carroll (1-20 off eight overs) and Connor Cook (2-22 off eight) provided cause for optimism when the competition returns after the Christmas break.

“Connor bowled really well; there were a lot of plays and misses and balls that fell just in front of fielders,” Woodward said.

“On another day he could have had another wicket or two.”

Jack Connolly will provide Woodward with another option in the middle order and a fifth bowler when he returns to the team after Christmas.

“We’ll get a couple back in the New Year which should help us,” he said.