The Kempsey Cannonballs' difficult start to the season continued on Saturday as they suffered a 62-11 defeat on home soil against the Hastings Valley Vikings.
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In wet and windy conditions, the Vikings forward pack shone as they laid the platform for a dominate opening 40-minutes.
The Vikings took a large lead into the break and showed no mercy in the second half.
Kempsey Cannonballs coach Carl Thurgood admits his side needs to aim up in defence.
"We were unable to stop them from getting a roll on," Thurgood told the Argus.
"First up tackles were a problem for us again and it's something we will continue to address.
"To the credit of our team, we regrouped at half-time and were able to make a significant improvement in the second half."
The Cannonballs have a bye this weekend and will take the opportunity to work on the areas of their game which have let them down during the opening month of the season.
"We now have a weekended off to focus on making improvements before two consecutive tips to Coffs Harbour," Thurgood said.
"They are must-win games for us, even this early in the season."
In a much-needed boost for the Cannonballs, they will welcome back two formidable players ahead of their next clash.
"We have experienced players Braden Farrawell and Kini Duavaca returning, which will be a big boost to the side," Thurgood said.
"Their absence across the first three rounds has made it even harder for us."
Farrawell is the leader of the Cannonballs' forward pack while Duavaca provides x-factor to the backline and is a lethal weapon in attack.
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