A STRONG first half paved the way for Old Bar to score their first win over the Group Three under 18 rugby league season when downing Forster-Tuncurry 14-6 at Tuncurry.
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The Pirates led 14-0 at the break, but coach Darrin Dark admitted they fell away in the second half.
"It was definitely and improvement on the previous match when we didn't complete one set in the entire game,'' Dark said.
While the Pirates drifted from their game plan in the second half, Dark said there were encouraging signs.
"We've had a win and a draw now - and the draw was against Wingham. They're leading the comp,'' Dark said.
The Pirates are the defending premiers. However, while 75 percent of last season's backs are back, Dark said he has a completely new forward pack this year.
"And some of them are in their first season of rugby league,'' Dark said.
"So we have challenges.''
Centres Ethan Collings and Jackson O'Connor were among the best for Old Bar, O'Connor making 20 hit outs, while Collings made a strong return from injury.
Dark said the Pirates have some injury concerns.
"We have about 15 players, but we don't have the luxury of an under 16s to call on,'' he said.
"We do have some under 16s who want to play for us (from other clubs), but they just can't line up the draw.''
Matches are played in quarters and Dark said this makes a significant impact.
"It's harder to get momentum going and to then maintain it,'' he said.
Eight teams are contesting the under 18s this season.
"It's going to be pretty tight,'' Dark said.
"It's a short season and then we'll play a top four, so it will be interesting, but we're going alright.''
The Pirates play Port City Breakers at Port Macquarie next Saturday.
