THE Macleay Valley Mustangs have sent a reminder to the remaining Group Three teams in the first week of the finals.
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Willy Lockwood's men enjoyed a dominant 62-26 win against Old Bar Beach Pirates, at Verge St Oval, on Sunday.
Playing in a qualifying final, the side effortlessly dismantled the hapless Pirates as they flexed their attacking muscle ahead of the season climax.
There were nine individual try scorers for the Mustangs with coach Lockwood and young gun Owen Blair both bagging doubles.
Mustangs president Dave Fernando said it was difficult to find fault in the 26-point victory.
“There was strong play across the board,” he said.
“The boys knew what they had to do and they just went out and played a really disciplined game.
"I was particularly impressed with the support that was given to some of the younger players in the squad.”
The Mustangs came out firing early on, but didn’t have it all their own way in the first half with the Pirates scoring four tries to rack up 20 points to the hosts' 42 at the break.
There was no stopping the Mustangs in the second half though, as they piled on the points while restricting their opponents to one try at the other end.
Mal Webster was instrumental in the middle of ground, playing a part in more than one of his side’s tries.
Also impressive on the day was Nigel Hookey, who - in addition to scoring a try of his own - helped to set up Blair’s first of the day.
He did not need any help for his second, running from deep inside his own half to cross over with a superb solo effort.
The Mustangs will now take on the Wauchope in this weekend’s semi-final at Lank Bain Oval, where they will look to avenge the 23-point loss they suffered to the Blues in round 13.
Fernando believes the side has what it takes to make it to the final stage of the competition.
“If we continue to play like we did on Sunday, there is no reason why we can’t progress to the grand final,” he said.
“We just have to back ourselves.”
Having finished minor premiers, the Mustangs reserve grade will also be in action this weekend with a semi-final against the Port Macquarie Sharks.