FAILING to execute their set plays saw the Dubbo Kangaroos go down 17-5 to the Orange City Lions in a muddy affair at No. Oval on Saturday.
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The 'Roos had hoped to continue the run of form which saw them sitting second on the Blowes Clothing Cup ladder going into round eight, and were looking strong in the first half as the scores were tied up at 5-5.
But the Lions extended their lead just before half time and clinched the victory in the dying stages to secure their fifth win of the season.
"We didn't stick to the game plan. If we had I think we would have been in the contest a lot more," 'Roos forward Benn Wright said.
"In wet conditions you've got to hang onto the ball, you've got to cherish it and we didn't. We gave it away too often and against a good side like them they're gong to run you around.
"They're a fit team and they'll run you around the park and if you give them that much ball, you can't defend all day."
Orange City were the first to get on the board with Alifeleti Wolfgramm opening the visitors' account in the 20th minute.
The Lions were awarded a scrum feed ten metres out from the line after charging down a James Mata kick, with Wolfgramm picking up the ball and angling hard at the line to open Orange City's account.
It took about ten minutes of persistent 'Roos offence, including three consecutive scrum feeds inside the forward 22, before the 'Roos fired back through the powerful running of John Korff.
Neither Barton Young or Mata were able to add the extras, with Mata's conversion attempt hitting the upright and Young's swinging wide.
The visitors looked sure to cross again nine minutes later courtesy of a blistering run down the side from Taylor Smith, a brilliant chip to the inside and a one-on-one kick and chase, but the ball was fumbled in the in-gaol.
Orange City maintained their attacking pressure and a Young penalty kick swung wide before Joe Lasagavibau busted through the 'Roos line.
Young added the extras to give the Lions a 12-5 lead to take into the break.
The second half was scrappy with nether side able to capitalise on their scoring chances, which were few and far between.
The visitors were a man down after captain John Colgan was carded for repeated infringements, but managed to keep the 'Roos out and Wolfgramm crossed for his second with just eight minutes remaining to seal the Lions win.
Coach Steve Hamson labelled the performance "outstanding", particularly from flankers Colgan and Logan Brockman who were playing out of position.
"It was a massive step up from the performances we've been putting in," Hamson said.
"That's probably the first time our scrum hasn't been on skates all year. Other than that it wasn't a day for being flashy and throwing the ball around, we showed more patience than we've shown in recent times so that was good too."
Wright said the 'Roos need to improve their communication and structure.
"Just sticking to our structure and talking in defence. We were very quiet in defence in the first half and let them get a roll on and their kicking options kept us out of it," he said.
"We took options that were too short and they basically played better field position.
"I think we've got lots of improvement and it's good to see crowd down here, it's good to see Dubbo supporting us."
The day's earlier games were more successful for the 'Roos with all three teams getting a win.
The 'Roos won 32-7 in the under-18s, 22-14 in second grade and 24-0 in a third grade fixture which featured some of the 'Roos 2006 Blowes Clothing Cup grand final winning side.
ORANGE CITY LIONS 17 (Alifeleti Wolfgramm 2, Joe Lasagavibau tries; Barton Young goal) def DUBBO KANGAROOS 5 (John Korff try)