The Macleay Valley Mustangs have returned to the top of the Group Three Rugby League ladder after securing a hard-fought 54-18 victory over the Old Bar Pirates on Sunday.
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The Mustangs and Pirates went into the sheds tied at 18 but Macleay Valley produced their best 40-minutes of the season to score six consecutive tries and run away with the contest.
Macleay Valley coach Russell Lardner claims the side stepped it up a gear in the second half and believes "no team will beat us if we continue to play like that".
"The momentum was going both ways in the first half and we went into a rough patch where there was no talk and no line speed and we were made to pay," Lardner told the Argus.
"But it was like we were a whole new team in the second half. We played with energy and were giving our all.
"That second half was the best we have been this whole season."
Lardner was impressed with all of his player's performances and especially the forward pack.
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"Everyone did their job and played great," Lardner said.
"Lance Robertson, who plays on the wing, was unreal for us. All of his returns with the ball had venom and he busted the line a couple of times.
"Kaine Parkinson and Harold Thompson put in another good performance after they backed up from the Under-18.5s. They both are transforming into first grade players."
The Mustangs have a one competition point lead on the ladder after Wauchope played out a 22-all draw with the Taree City Bulls on Saturday.
While Lardner is glad to be in first position, he acknowledges his side now has a target on its back.
"It's great to be on top but now the heat has been turned up on us," Lardner said.
"We will need to continue to improve. We need to train and play hard because everyone will be trying to knock us off now."
The Mustangs be back on the road this Saturday when they travel to face the defending champions the Port Macquarie Sharks.
Macleay Valley earned a comfortable 44-26 victory when the two sides battled in round two.
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