The Cobras scored eight tries to four to outplay the Kangaroos in all areas and on several occasions were too classy combining solid defense and organised attack to dominate the game.

The homeside had the better of the early ball and after constant pressure the Claro defense finally cracked and the Karuah backrower crossed for the first try of the match and an early 6-0 lead.

Cobras frontrower Sam Dunn replied just three minutes later to lock the game up at 6-6 and only four minutes later his brother George left defenders sprawled on the ground as he stepped stylishly through defenders to score next to the posts. Badior converted for a 12-6 lead.

The introduction of fresh reserves payed immediate dividends for the Cobras. Blayd Rufo is making a name for himself for finding the tryline almost as soon as he takes the field and it was he who crashed over next to the posts to extend Claro’s lead to 18-6 midway through the first half.

With the Cobras on the attack close to the Karuah line and looking good to increase their lead further, the Karuah winger cleverly intercepted a pass and raced 80 metres to stem the Claro flow and decrease the margin to 18-12.

Claro’s forwards were tremendous and further contributions from fresh players paid more dividends just before half-time when Cal Gorman proved unstoppable and barged over to stretch the lead to 24-12 in favour of the Cobras at the break.

Claro started where they left off and the welcome return of last season’s player of the year Kurt Blowes also was about to show his value to the team.

He burst on to a lovely pass from Foot to outclass the opposition and score and increase the lead to 28-12.

Karuah were determined to stay in the game and on the back of consecutive penalties their fullback crossed next to the posts to close the gap to 28-18 in favour of the visitors.

Midway through the half Badior showed his value out of dummy half when he threw a nice pass to a rampaging Sam Dunn for him score his second for the afternoon.

However, a few errors and penalties helped the Roos back into the game and eventually they crossed for another four pointer to once again close the gap enough to give them hope of victory.

Although the score indicated that may be the case the real story was the Cobras were well on top and only the odd momentary lapse in concentration kept the Roos in with any chance at all.

The Roos’ last hope was demolished when Foot and Blowes again combined beautifully for Blowes to score his second try for the afternoon and extend the margin to an unbeatable 40-24.

Another sneaky combination came to the fore to complete the scoring when Badior again ducked out of dummy half close to the line and picked up a charging Sam Dunn to score his third try for the afternoon.

A treble of tries for any front rower is certainly a good day out. Well done.

The final score of 46-24 in favour of the Cobras was a true indication of their dominance and it must be said that the entire forward pack were relentless and the support and workload of wingers Jarod Rits returning from a horrendous ankle injury and Jake Bell were fantastic.

Every player can hold their head high, congratulations. It now needs to be backed up against the unbeaten competition leaders Paterson River next week on Saturday at 2pm at Clarence Town.

There’s a band after the game at the Erringhi, let’s get there and support our major sponsor.

Clarence Town 46: Tries: Sam Dunn 3, Kurt Blowes 2, George Dunn, Callan Gorman, Blayd Rufo

Goals: Phil Badior 7/8 (nice effort under the breezy conditions)

Best Back: Jarod Rits

Best Forward: Sam Dunn

Supporters Award: James Foot

Benchy: Todd Hutton

Players Player: Sam Dunn