Dora Creek made an emphatic statement with a 70-6 demolition of Woodberry in the Newcastle and Hunter Rugby League A Grade match at Fred Harvey Oval on Saturday.
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Coach David Hoban said his team travelled to Woodberry anticipating a tough contest.
"Woodberry were last year's B Grade premiers and had made some good signings in 2019 to move up into the A Grade competition," Hoban said.
The visitors were ruthless.
"Our first 20 minutes was pretty much faultless, going out to a 24-nil lead after 20 minutes," Hoban said.
Dora Creek extended the lead to 40-nil before Woodberry scored a late try off a cross kick before half time.
Dora Cree went to the halftime break leading 40-6.
"At half time we spoke about really focusing on our defence. We felt that our line speed was not where it needed to be and also there were too many times when Woodberry forwards were finding their front and getting through the line too easy with a quick play the ball," Hoban said.
"The second half was a good chance for us to really fine tune these little areas so that when we have the tougher games we are better prepared for those situations."
Dora Creek scored some entertaining tries off set plays and good structures in the second half.
Some brilliant individual tries to Theeran Pearson, Kye Howarth and Tom Patullo also impressed.
"Justin Ferris, our front rower, was one of our best along with new signing from the Central Coast first grade competition Paddy Murphy and our halfback Theeran Pearson," Hoban said.
Veteran Justin Budahazy had his best game at centre for the Swampies, the coach said.
Dora Creek is unbeaten after three rounds, and leads the eight-team competition on points differential from Fingal Bay.
Dora Creek will host Cardiff this Saturday, May 4, at Neville Thompson Oval (Dora Creek Workers Club). Kick off is at 3pm.
