Cowra’s points differential took a pounding on Sunday as Bathurst Panthers racked up 58 points while keeping Magpies scoreless.
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Panthers ran in ten unanswered tries – five either side of halftime – at Sid Kallas Oval to continue their impressive Group 10 campaign this year and also dish out an awakening for Cowra, who slip out of the top five as a result of the loss.
Panthers captain-coach Todd Barrow identified his side’s defensive effort as the most pleasing part of the performance as well as an improvement in completions compared to previous weeks.
“I’m more happy with our defence than anything to keep them to nil. To keep them scoreless today is a massive effort today from our boys,” Barrow said.
“We’ve been building. Getting better each week. In the first half we were about 80 per cent with our completions. In the past few weeks we’ve been struggling a bit in doing that.”
Panthers gun Jeremy Gordon was in the thick of the action early laying on three tries and crossing himself within the opening 24 minutes.
Jed Petts scored Panthers’ fifth try and Jye Barrow kicked the goal marking a perfect first half with the boot and a 30-0 lead at the break.
The margin extended to 36 points moments into the second-half when Leigh Monaghan barged across.
Further tries to Jack Siejka, Kade Barrow, Bradyn Cassidy and Kara Rotarongi sealed the massive 58 point win with Jye Barrow kicking an impressive nine goals from ten attempts.
Cowra coach Rory Brien said penalties proved costly with Panthers capitilising on just about every opportunity.
“The first 15 minutes of the second half we started strong but we got a couple penalties against us and they put points on us again.
“We talked about completing sets and making tackles. A couple of calls went against us and we dropped our heads and that was it.
“They’re very sharp. They have great line-speed it’s something I’d like to see our side improve on. Their forwards just ran over the top of us today.”
Barrow didn’t single out a stand out player from Panthers.
“All the boys were good across the park. Everyone did their job,” he said.
Bathurst Panthers 58 (Kade Barrow 2, Brent Seager, Kyle Burns, Jeremy Gordon, Jed Betts, Leigh Monaghan, Jack Siejka, Bradyn Cassidy, Kara Rotarongi; Jye Barrow 9 goals) defeated Cowra Magpies 0.
