COMPETITION front runners Wauchope scored 24 unanswered points in the second half to down Taree City 34-6 in the Group Three Rugby League game played at the Jack Neal Oval.
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The Blues trotted off at the break holding a 10-6 lead - although there was some controversy surrounding the four point cushion.
Taree hit the lead just before the break when hooker Oscar Carey forced his way over from dummy half and centre Anthony Smith added the goal to give the home side a 6-4 advantage.
However, the Bulls conceded possession - as is their wont - with halftime looming to give Wauchope field possession. The Blues pounded Taree's but it looked as though the Bulls had survived when the halftime hooter sounded. Referee Mitch Graham allowed play to proceed for one more tackle and Wauchope managed to score in the corner through new recruit Stephan Blair. Centre Alex Watts landed the goal from the sideline to give Wauchope the 10-6 lead.
Wauchope carried on from there and dominated the second half, with the Bulls never really looking like adding to their total.
The game was played under lights and in greasy conditions and while the Blues had trouble with ball control, the Bulls were diabolical. When Taree did have possession in the second stanza they rarely made it to deep in the tackle count, while referee Graham awarded the Blues a plenty of penalties for various Taree infringements.
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Wauchope halfback Tristan Scott caused havoc with the defensive line, scoring a smart try soon after the resumption and that second the tone for the second half. Winger Reuben Trip, co-captain-coach Matt Bird and Watts added second half tries.
Second rower Tom Field continues to impress for the Blues and along with halfback Scott he was the best on ground. Bird, apart from one handling error that cost the Blues a try in the first half was also strong while former Macleay Mustang star Blair is a big gain for the Blues. Lock Rob Mason was about the best for Taree.
There was no lack of effort from the Bulls. It's the execution that lets them down. They've now gone four games without a win to sit at the bottom of the ladder.
It was a bleak day and night for the Bulls, with Wauchope winning the league tag 48-4, the under 18s 38-10 and reserve grade 42-10.
