The Bulls raced away to a 21-nil lead mid-way through the first half, before overwhelming arch rivals Narrabri 45-15 to post their first win of the season.

The result was all the more satisfying for Bulls coach Dave Silversides for the fact that they were without three of their Central North contingent after they picked up injuries.

“The guys performed quite well,” he said.

“It was particularly pleasing considering that we did have a number of guys out.”

He said the scoreline wasn’t representative of the physical nature of the game, their speed outwide proving a telltale factor.

“Defensively our forwards worked hard and were able to control the pace of the game really well for us,” Silversides said.

They were also able to control the centre of the field and get over the gain line consistently, which then created space for the outside backs.

Five-eighth Jordan Cosh and winger Asesela Drotoni both crossed for doubles, Cosh adding six conversions and a penalty for a 25 point haul.

Silverwides noted that the likes of Jordan Cosh, Alex Corlis and Nick Smith played well.

The Blue Boars fought back after the Bulls’ early charge to 21-10 at the break, feeding off some, as Silversides put it, cheap penalties and cheap turnovers to concede territory.

“At half-time we spoke about some ball security and about our discipline around the tackle, making sure we weren’t giving away penalties unnecessarily,” he said.

Which they did, holding the Blue Boars to just a try in the second half.

One of the keys to their early success was their ability to maintain field position and maintain pressure.

They were through that able to bend the line a few times in the centre of the field and enable opportunities for the backs.