Moree Bulls have bounced back from their first loss of the season with a big win against the Scone Brumbies on Saturday.
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The Bulls managed to return to their strong, winning form and were leading 33-0 at half-time. Although they let in a couple of tries in the second half, the Bulls trampled the visitors to win 68-10.
Bulls first grade co-coach Damien Kelly said it was a much better result than the previous week, when they went down to Gunnedah 31-14.
"We made a point to work on [defence] more than anything else, so that side of things was pleasing," he said.
"Our attitude also improved.
"Scone landed a couple of tries, but by then we had 60 points on them.
"They didn't get within our 22 for the first 20 minutes, and when we got the ball, we were able to score some points."
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Although it's not reflected in the score, Kelly said it wasn't an easy game.
"[Scone] were under strength; they travelled four hours," he said.
"It was pleasing to see them field a side. We lent them players in reserve grade, so their first grade would have been weakened with players backing up. But they had some good players."
Moree took advantage of the big score difference to use more subs than they normally would, with four backs coming off and a few forwards replaced.
"We got to have a look at a few other guys which was good," Kelly said.
Jono Spain played well on the wing, while Lachie Smith had a good game at breakaway and Damien Meppem and Nick Smith were also strong.
"As a team, we had a lot more chat," Kelly said.
"We'd been pretty quiet, which has been one of our issues as far as defence. Captain Nathan Ebbett kept barking at them all game and they seemed to improve."
Unfortunately Jamie Sampson came off after doing something to his ribs and will most likely need a few weeks to rest, while Damien Meppem hurt his neck and Dan Sweeney did his hamstring again, so Kelly said having the next two weeks off won't be a bad thing.
The Bulls have the bye this weekend, followed by a general bye the week after due to the long weekend, before hosting Narrabri.
"It'll probably be good to get everyone fresh and fit again, but it's not good for momentum," Kelly said.
"It's been the most disjointed season I've ever seen.
"I'm hoping everyone can rest up and we'll be at as full a strength as we can be after the break and will be able to keep that side for more than one week."
Reserve grade also had a successful day, recording a 28-0 win against Scone.