NORTH Coast scored 22 unanswered points in the second half to defeat Parramatta 32-12 in the second round of the Laurie Daley Cup under 18 rugby league competition in Sydney.
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This makes it two wins from two starts for the Bulldogs after defeating Central Coast Roosters in the opening round at Parramatta. They'll now meet Greater Northern Tigers in the third round at Port Macquarie on Saturday.
"It's a short competition - only five rounds, to so get two early wins is important,'' North Coast coach Darrin Dark said.
Fullback JJ Gibson showed plenty of pace for the Bulldogs, racing in three tries.
"We have some pace out wide - you can't replace that,'' Dart said.
"JJ was good but thought Casey Morgan from Wauchope was outstanding. He's a big kid and he alternated between front row and second row and really stood up. Brock Parker from Coffs Harbour was out leader in the second row.''
He said Parramatta fielded a big team. North Coast started slowly and trailed 12-0 early in the first half.
"We were making too many mistakes,'' Dark said.
"Not making any excuses, but it's a long bus trip to Sydney for some of the boys who have to travel from Grafton so it took us a while to get into the game.''
However, Dark said the side settled down and had reduced the margin to 12-10 at halftime. From there North Coast dominated.
However, the news wasn't as good for the North Coast under 16s side playing in the Andrew Johns Cup, with the side going down 24-14 to Parramatta. North Coast has now won one game from two starts, making Saturdays' game against Greater Northern all-important. Central Coast Roosters defeated Greater Northern 22-14 in the second round.
