By MATT NICHOLLS
A BLISTERING second half by the Port Macquarie Pirates paved the way for a barnstorming win in the Mid North Coast Rugby Union competition on Saturday.
It was tough work early for the Pirates, as the visiting Kempsey side played a physical brand of rugby in the opening 15 minutes.
The home side was the first to score at Stuart Park, with Ryan Owens crossing the line, but the Cannonballs responded quickly to take a 7-5 lead.
Another try to Owens and a penalty goal gave Port Macquarie a 15-7 lead at the break and, from there, it was all one-way traffic.
The Pirates piled on the points in the second half to walk away 55-14 winners.
Jonnie Hoy and Scott Thompson joined Owens as dual try scorers, while Geoff Lee, Tim Sales and Sam McNeil also crossed the line.
The Pirates will take their form across town this Saturday to tackle Hastings Valley Vikings.
The Vikings will be fresh from a break and the winner of the match is likely to take out the minor premiership.
Play starts at 3pm at Oxley Oval.
