Southcity captain-coach Nick Skinner was in absolute supreme form as the Bulls crushed Cootamundra 50-6 to stay on top of the Group Nine table at Harris Park on Saturday.
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Coming off the general bye, the Bulls led 24-6 at half-time and scored five unanswered tries in the second half to send the Bulldogs packing.
Amid the carnage, however, Skinner did not try to rub salt into the wounds – even taking time to give the losers an endorsement.
“I think they’re building,” Skinner said.
“They played with a lot of spirit ... they definitely didn’t roll over.
“It was a tough game.”
Virtually at full strength for the first time this year, Southcity showed glimpses of dazzling brilliance to quickly end Cootamundra’s reign as a giant-killer.
Following on from their shock 28-26 victory over Kangaroos a fortnight ago, the Bulldogs toiled and tried hard but were outgunned.
For Skinner, the overwhelming success was another step forward for his team.
“I thought defensively we were a lot better, but attacking wise there were still a few errors at times,” Skinner said.
“Generally I’m pretty happy. I think we’re moving in the right direction.”
Significantly, Southcity seems sure to get a more realistic test of their progress when they play Young at Alfred Oval next Sunday.
"Young over there will be tough as well,” Skinner said.
“We’ll know how we’re going.”
Usaia O'Sullivan and debutant Jordan Little both scored doubles in the big win.
O’Sullivan’s double included a sensational effort in the 29th minute where he dispatched two defenders, and also gave the final pass for a try for Little.
Little only touched the ball a couple of times but finished with two tries, sharing the limelight with his more distinguished teammates.
Cootamundra coach Warren Lloyd took the heavy defeat on the chin.
“At the end of the day it’s disappointing,” Lloyd said.
“Southcity are a top side and they’ll be there again this year.
“They probably let the foot off a bit, but, like I said, our boys stuck in, and I’m happy with that.
“We’ll reassess and go again next week.
“It doesn’t get any easier ... we’ve got the Tigers (Gundagai) next week.”
As Cootamundra bravely struggles to stay competitive each week, Lloyd said luck often deserted the team.
“The referee doesn’t drop the ball or miss tackles, but we just need a few 50-50 calls to go our way,” Lloyd said.
“I’m not asking for help.”
