TRISTAN Scott put an early season claim in as a genuine key to Wauchope's season as he played a starring role in the Blues' 32-22 opening round win over Taree City on Saturday.
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While Scott didn't cross for a try, he steered the Blues around Lank Bain Sporting Complex with aplomb in the six-tries-to-four victory.
Winger Sam Ylias crossed for a hat-trick in his first grade debut, while Beau White and Justin Hinton scored four-pointers and five-eighth Nick McCabe claimed his first try in two years.
Coach Anthony Boyd said it was an impressive first-up performance from his side after underwhelming pre-season results.
"We've got a fair bit of work to do, but we definitely improved on our trial form so the boys are listening and learning," he said.
"We leaked a few points which was disappointing, but it was not a polished performance."
While most round one fixtures were riddled with errors, Boyd was reasonably satisfied with their completion rate.
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"I wouldn't whinge about our ball control; there is still room to improve but it wasn't bad," he said.
"It's always sloppy in round one, but our on-goal defence needs to stiffen up.
"They scored three tries from dummy-half barge overs and another from a cross-field kick where they ran the length."
Boyd said it would take some time for the Blues to "click", but the first-up signs were encouraging.
"It won't happen until the back end of the year, but that was always going to be the case with eight or nine new faces in the team," he said.
"We played 20 minutes of really good footy where we scored three or four tries."
Taree City coach Todd Bridge was happy with his side's performance. The Bulls were right in the game at halftime when they trailed 16-14, but conceded three tries in the opening stages of the second half.
"We lacked match fitness, that was our first game in a month,'' Bridge said.
"We only had one complete field session on Friday before the match.''
However, the Bulls are now resigned to being without front rower Josh Northam for six to eight weeks with a broken foot. Northam had been strong in the opening passages of the game.
"We'll have Matt Taupe back next week for Old Bar, so it will be a straight swap. But it's not good news losing Josh for that long,'' Bridge said.
The Bulls have also strengthened their backline resources with the signing of Callum Wesley. He missed the game against Wauchope but should be available for the clash against Old Bar this week.
A Taree Red Rovers junior, Wesley also played Harold Matthews Cup (under 16s) and SG Ball (under 18s) with the Newcastle Knights. He can play fullback, winger or centre.
Utility back Keiran Cochrane has also re-signed with the club, giving Bridge more backline options.
Bridge said hooker Oscar Carey was outstanding for Taree against the Blues, scoring three tries in a busy effort.
"I thought Todd Northam had his best game in first grade for about three years,'' Bridge added.
Dean Mills will return to the side this week after missing the clash against Wauchope because of cricket grand final commitments. He'll play five-eighth, with Bridge switching Toby De Stefano to halfback.
Bridge, who has troublesome knees, will sit the match out after playing about 65 minutes against Wauchope.
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