The Fishies’ outside backs ran rampant in a performance that saw only a few defensive lapses, and they repeatedly denied the visitors, going on to score on the counter-attack.

Coach Tim Ryan was typically understated, crediting solid defence for the win.

“We had attitude in defence right from the start, which was good,” he said.

“There were a few little flat periods there but all in all we were pretty switched on.”

Those “flat periods” were capitalised on by Forbes, but unfortunately for the visitors they were few and far between.

Matt Burton continued his star turn in first grade, starting in the centres where he claimed a run-away try to open the scoring.

He produced more sheer brilliance minutes later to set-up Corey Cox. Showing strength beyond his years, Burton busted through Forbes’ line, found Scott Burgess on the wing and then caught the ball back on the inside. He immediately flicked it to Corey Cox who was running in support, and Cox ran the ball easily over an open try line.

Wade Kavanagh and Cox extended CYMS’ lead before Mosese Quionimacawa pegged one back to make it 24-4 and suddenly Forbes had some momentum.

They spent the final 10 minutes of the first half in CYMS’ half and, after a series of penalties led to repeat sets, Brad McMillan crashed over to make it 24-10 at the break.

The next 30 minutes were all CYMS. John Grey, Shaq Gordon, Burgess, Bayden Searle and Grey (again) crossed to take CYMS’ lead out to 48-10, before the workload of the past week began to take its toll.

With CYMS reduced to just 12 men through injury, Forbes took advantage. Some solid running and clever offloads put Ben Robinson over in the 70^th minute.

But CYMS struck back. Grey claimed his hat-trick before a spectacular chip kick was regathered by Brad Pickering and then flicked to Burgess who scored with just 40 seconds left on the clock.

“We were probably pretty flat from last weekend but it was okay and we got the job done,” Ryan said. “I think everybody was good. We lost a few today through injury again, we’re bit down on troops but Bayden Searle was good again and the forwards went well.”

He had high praise for Burton, and when questioned about injuries Ryan gave the assurance “we’ll be alright”.

DUBBO CYMS 60 (John Grey 3, Scott Burgess 2, Corey Cox 2, Shaq Gordon, Matt Burton, Bayden Searle, Wade Kavanagh tries, Bradley Pickering 7, Corey Cox conversions) defeated FORBES MAGPIES 14 (Mosese Quionimacawa, Ben Robinson, Brad McMillan tries, Farren Lamb conversion)