In their first hit-out of the new campaign they were undefeated all the way through the final of NSW Hunter Western Hornets Championships in Maitland.

Despite beating Port Hunter in the earlier rounds, the Makos were defeated 6-3 in the decider after they had cruised through the rest of the competition.

While disappointed to fall at the final hurdle, captain Aaron Ison was still satisfied with the overall performance of the team.

“We beat Port Hunter 4-2 in the earlier rounds and they’re generally one of the strongest teams in the competition,” he said.

“Obviously it’s a bit disappointing to lose the final, but our goal all along was to make it to the grand final and we did that.

“All in all it was a pretty good start to our campaign ahead of the State Cup.”

Ison said it was difficult to single any players out, but was impressed with the performance of Jack Lewis who was a tryscoring machine along with Adrian Hammond.

“Adrian was one of our new signings and had a pretty good tournament,” he said.

The Makos were rarely challenged throughout the early stages of the competition with a 4-2 win over Port Hunter the closest result.

They defeated Forster 8-2, Mudgee 10-2, Beresfield 9-2, Newcastle 7-0, Maitland 9-6 and Mudgee 9-4 on the way to the final.

“Every individual played their part,” Ison said.

Port Macquarie will back up with a trip to Dubbo for the Country Championships in two weeks.