RUGBY UNION
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DESPITE a slow start and a disappointing first half performance, Orange City extended its Blowes Clothing Cup winning streak to 11 games with a 57-point thumping of Narromine on Saturday, also maintaining top spot with the win.
The Gorillas kept up with Orange City for the majority of the opening period at Pride Park, but once the high-flying Lions hit their straps in the second half the result was put to bed emphatically.
In fact, the Lions scored 45 points in the second half, more than double than what they scored in the opening period, to secure a 67-10 victory.
"We did start slowly," Orange City co-coach Mick Gray.
"It is tough sometimes to get into those games against the sides who aren't doing as well on the table, but that was another challenge for the guys.
"We took some time to work into it, Narromine scored on really soft try off a penalty tap on our line, but we clicked into gear a bit after half-time.
"It's tough to be unhappy with a bonus point win."
After being held at 10-all for a substantial hunk of the opening half by the gallant Gorillas, the Lions crossed for several tries late in the opening 40 minutes to go into the break leading 22-10.
Narromine still had a sniff in the opening exchanges of the second period, but after shifting up a gear the Lions - led, once again, by swashbuckling No.8 Tatafu Na'aniumotu - continually barreled through the Gorillas to score 45 unanswered second half points.
"It's good to know we've still got plenty to improve on leading into the finals, but we're happy where we are," Gray said.
"Tatafu was really strong, again. He's just so strong off the back of that scrum, he carries plenty with him."
Gray also highlighted centre Sam Dwyer, who returned to the top grade when Mesui Lemoto was ruled out, and stand in fullback Sam Coote as two of his side's best.
"Sammy played fullback because Joe (Lasagavibau) was working night-shift, he did come on at the end though," Gray said.
"But Coote was good back there, and Sam Dwyer played really well too. He's switching in and out with Jake Davis in the centres."
ORANGE CITY LIONS 67 def NARROMINE GORILLAS 10