The match ended in a 22-22 draw, but there was more celebrating in the Taree sheds at the result than from Wauchope.

The Blues went into the encounter as co-competition leaders with Macleay Valley, while the Bulls were struggling to stay in touch with the top five.

Boyd said the Blues did have six regular first graders out. but refused to use this as an excuse.

"It was yucky, horrible really. We were a bit light on but no excuses, I thought we still had a decent side on the park.

"We were very clunky and it was terrible to watch.''

He concurred the sin binning of Wauchope second rower Kahlan Duncan with around 11 minutes remaining was crucial, but again, not an excuse for the late capitulation. Wauchope led 22-10 when Duncan was sent to the sheds.

"The Bulls fought for that and dug in to get themselves back into the game,'' Boyd said.

"We were cruising along there, but we dug our own grave there at the end.

"I've very disappointed and we've got a lot to work on. I'm a bit shattered at the moment to tell the truth.''

Boyd said the players who missed the game against Taree should all be back soon.

"None of them are long term,'' he explained.

"We're just trying to look after a few of our players to get them right for the back end of the season.''

The Blues play Wingham at Wingham on June 16 when the competition resumes after the long weekend. Boyd agreed this will be a big assignment.

"Wingham will be a big game but it won't be the end of our season if it doesn't go our way,'' he said.

"We've been clunky for the last couple of weeks, so we've got worry about sorting our own backyard out and hopefully getting things right at the back end of the year.''