AFTER two weeks in the doldrums, the Port Macquarie Pirates again found the form that had the team leading the Mid North Coast Rugby competition.
The Pirates traveled to Coffs Harbour to play the Southern Cross University Marlins at the Marlins’ home ground.
The Pirates had been in some disarray with losses to the Hastings Valley Vikings and Coffs Harbour Rugby in recent weeks.
The Pirates were bouyed by the return of Johnny Hoy, Sam McNeill, Lachlan Bassett and Scott Munro.
Port Macquarie had an emphatic 44-3 win over the students.
With Sam McNeill and Johnny Hoy calling the shots, the Pirates were never in any difficulties during the match.
The Pirates ran in eight tries during the afternoon with tries to Lachlan Bassett (2) Johnny Hoy (2) Chris “Bomber” Geary (2) Tim Farnsworth (1) and Jacob Law (1).
Sam McNeil had an off day with the boot, only putting two conversion attempts between the sticks.
Lachlan Bassett was impressive on the field and earned the Players Player Award. Johnny Hoy was not far behind him with captain Tim Farnsworth leading the team by example.
Coach Marc Minor said after the match: “We scored eight tries today and finally put it together. We started well and kept up the momentum. We need to be doing this at this time of the season.”
The Pirates were keen to seek revenge in this match after the controversial one-point loss to the students in round four of the competition.
