Still on a high after last week’s thrilling win against the undefeated Tamworth Pirates, the Bulls proved too strong for the Lions and charged ahead 55-8.

Despite a slow start, the Bulls managed to break away to lead 26-5 at the end of the first half and from there they were unstoppable.

“Once we got on a roll it was [easy],” Bulls first grade coach Peter Copeman said.

“It was cold and windy and there was only one game so there wasn’t much of a crowd [in Quirindi], so it was a little difficult to get motivated.

“Once we got the ball wide, we seemed to make good inroads.”

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Strong defence and working with the wind to score some good tries saw the Bulls pile on the points.

Jaime Sampson and Josh Walker scored three tries each, while other standout players were Mitch Adams, Nathan Ebbett and Angus Smith.

With no reserve grade match, the first grade game provided the Bulls a good chance to give some of their reserves a run.

Despite the big win, Copeman said there’s “always something you can improve”, especially as the Bulls look ahead to some tough matches in the coming weeks.

“We have to keep updating and trying to improve our defence; we seem to be leaking a few points in our games,” he said.

After going down to Moree last week, the Pirates suffered their second loss of the season on Saturday against fourth-placed Walcha Rams.

The loss saw the Pirates bumped down to second place on the ladder with a total of 53 points, while the Bulls now sit in the coveted top spot, just ahead on 54 points.

Despite being on top, Copeman isn’t taking anything for granted and admits it won’t be easy to maintain that position.

“We’ve got to keep winning and getting those bonus points or [Pirates] will catch us pretty quick,” he said.

The Bulls will host third-placed Barraba/Gwydir at Weebolla Oval this Saturday.

“They’re going well,” Copeman said.

“I’d like to think we can beat them but it won’t be easy.”

The Bulls then face fourth-placed Walcha the following week.