PORT City Breakers are warming into their Group 3 rugby league title defence.
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The Breakers made it two wins on the trot with a comprehensive 48-20 defeat of Taree City Bulls at Jack Neil Oval on Sunday.
Coach Dan Kemp was satisfied to claim the victory, but felt there were still elements of which needed improving.
Two late tries added respectability to the scoreline after the Breakers led 48-10 with five minutes remaining.
“Fatigue and complacency set in towards the end of the game and we let in a few soft tries which I was disappointed about,” Kemp said.
“There’s no doubt we’re headed in the right direction and over time we’ll get to a point where we can put it all together for 80 minutes.”
Winger Owen Blair scored a hat-trick while Jeremy Smith and Cody Robbins scored two tries each.
Robbins was judged as best on the ground.
Kemp said the performance was an improvement on their opening-round victory over Wauchope.
“On Sunday we were good for a longer period so it’s a perfect start really,” he said.
“We controlled the game well.”
The efforts of the forwards allowed the backs to do their work.
“We won the middle; that’s what we set out to achieve. That allowed our backs to take advantage.”
Port Sharks couldn’t overcome a lopsided penalty count and the absence of two players in the sinbin at various stages during their 28-12 loss to Wingham.
The Sharks trailed 12-0 early and fought their way back to 12-all before Wingham winger Michael Bailey ran the length of the field to put the hosts back in front.
That was as good as the day got for Port Macquarie as they suffered a 26-12 defeat – their first loss of the season.
But they had their chances.
Coach Wayne Grant said they had to overcome the pre-game withdrawals of Scott Grant and centre Charley Faatoia.
Prop forward Chase Brock left the field in the opening five minutes after a head knock and didn’t return.
“I’m not creating excuses because they were the better team,” Grant said.
“I wouldn’t say out ball handling wasn’t loose, but we did make mistakes at critical times in the match.”
Grant wouldn’t be drawn on making a comment about his side’s lack of discipline.
“The penalty count was savage against us and we had two blokes in the bin at various times,” he said.
“A few of those were inexperience and a bit of educational stuff that they’ll work on, but penalties are part and parcel of the game.”
He remained upbeat following the loss and was confident the Sharks were “headed in the right direction” after two rounds.
“Overall I’m happy with the progress the boys are making so far so it’s not all negative, not at all,” he said.