The Dubbo Rhinos produced their best half of rugby this season scoring four tries in the first 40 minutes against a Wellington side that was confident of an upset at Apex Oval on Saturday.
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Winger James Carolan scored three for the Rhinos who were dominant in the forwards to win the Central West Blowes Cup battle 43-17.
Wellington had the better of territory and possession in the opening 20 minutes but the Rhinos opened the scoring when Dave Stuart finished off a nice movement through the hands 10 metres in from the touchline.
Not long after and Glen Gallagher, who seemed to be floating between fullback, the centres and fly-half, put a chip through near halfway which was toed and chased by Carolan for 35 metres. He regathered to score and Wellington were wondering what had happened to the pressure they had mounted.
Carolan scored his second three minutes later then Stuart Zell finished off a fantastic 40m touchline run by Bruno Efoti to close the Rhinos' account at 24-0 at the break.
While the backs scored the points, the Rhinos' pack was stampeding the Redbacks with Brett Houghton and Martin Brazel busy and captain Chris Gibson and second-row partner Justin Faulkner providing the drive forward.
After the game Gibson agreed it was their best half of the season.
"It was definitely our best attacking half of the season. There were a lot of positives to come out of it," he said.
"We're very good when we get that drive going in the forwards but against the better defensive teams we struggle to get that happening and that slows everything up for the backs."
At 24-0 those who were enjoying the Rhinos' sponsors' day were wondering if the home side would go on with it and after five minutes Wellington front-rower Morray Low barged his way over for five-points to make things interesting.
The Rhinos hit back straight away with Daniel Pobje scoring before Carolan secured his hat-trick and quashed any thoughts the Redbacks had of an upset.
At 36-5 Wellington persisted with centre Pat Everingham turning in a fantastic all-round performance.
His defence was excellent and he was as elusive as ever running in broken field play.
Captain Andrew Clune scored Wellington's second try then replacement Brad Fieldsend replied for the Rhinos.
Wellington breakaway Matt Wykes finished the scoring with a few minutes left to make it 43-17.
Wellington still believe they are a chance of securing their first win of the season with Mudgee, Dubbo Roos and Orange City ahead.
The Rhinos have next week off with the bye then Forbes, Mudgee and Orange Emus.
"It's not an easy end to the year," Gibson quipped.
"But our goal is to win one more game and we'll be looking to do that against Mudgee.
"Today we gave Andrew Seton who is one of our colts a run in firsts. He came on with about 10 minutes to go. He's a good second-rower so it's good to give some of the younger guys a chance.
"But today I thought Marty Brazel was outstanding and Zelly was good. Tim Quayle was involved in everything."
RHINOS 43 (James Carolan 3, Daniel Pobje, Stuart Zell, Brad Fieldsend, Dave Stuart tries, Glen Gallagher 4 con) def WELLINGTON 17 (Andrew Clune, Matt Wykes, Morray Low tries, Nathan Thomson 1 con).