The Sharks always looked to have Taree's measure, although the Bulls did stage a comeback in the second half, reducing the margin to just eight points at one stage.

However, porous defence, particularly in the middle of the park, proved Taree's downfall.

The Sharks scored some good tries, notably to captain-coach Matt Shipway early in the second half.

But they scored some soft ones as well.

The Bulls can forget about playing finals football until they solve their defensive problems.

Scoring 28 points is usually enough to win most matches, so there's not much wrong with Taree's attack.

They're just leaking too many points to be a real contender at this stage of the year.

The Sharks are among the favoured teams for this year's title and it's easy to see why.

Shipway leads a well drilled team, with fullback Harley Gore and hooker Joe Cudmore both prominent against the Bulls.

They have strike power out wide and their forwards work well as a unit.

They're going to take some beating this season.

Halfback Mick Henry was Taree's best.

He was sharp in attack, scoring a try and having a hand in two others.

The Bulls did score some good tries - one a fine individual effort by winger Dylan Turner, who earlier played in the under 18 match.

He was given space down the right hand touchline and sped clear of the cover.

As Gore came across in cover defence and with support inside, Dylan threw a perfect dummy pass that fooled the defender and it was all over from there, Turner racing 50 metres to touchdown.

The conversion saw Taree down 36-28 and in with a sniff.

However, Port replied with a try to the ubiquitous Cudmore and it was all over from there.

Port led 22-12 at halftime after dominating the early passages of play.

The Sharks led 6-0 early before Henry replied with a converted try for the Bulls.

However, the Sharks put two more tries on the board before Henry weaved his way through the line and sent a good pass to second rower Ash Currey and he crashed over.

Luke Murray added the goal and it was 16-12.

Then tall prop Tom McGuire shoved his way through tissue-thin defence for the Sharks and David Geary's goal made it 22-12.

The Sharks took charge of the match with two Shipway tries soon after the resumption before Todd Bridge sent a great pass to centre Aaron Bayley and he did the rest.

Fullback Daniel Morris, who was solid all match, showed his pace when he outdistanced the cover to gather in a kick from Henry after a scrum win.

Turner's individual effort soon after gave the Bulls supporters some hope, but it was short lived.

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