Reigning premiers St Pat’s have closed to within two points of fourth-placed Blayney after winning their Group 10 premier league grand final rematch against Cowra yesterday.

St Pat’s piled on six tries to one yesterday at Sid Kallas Oval to extend the Magpies’ losing streak to three games in a row.

The Bathurst club scored three tries in each half on their way to a 36-6 win which was the team’s seventh of the season and continues a good patch of form, something not lost on coach Kurt Hancock.

“We’ve been working hard the last month and we’re starting to get a few rewards,” Hancock said.

“It was a bit scrappy, but at the end of the day we got the two points and it’s never easy coming over here, so I’m pretty happy.”

Winger Adam Morton got St Pat’s off to the best possible start, crossing twice in the opening 20 minutes before Mick Armstrong burst on to a short ball from Garry Reilly, who added the extras to give his side an 18-point lead.

The pain continued for the hosts after the break with Brady Cheshire grabbing a four-pointer followed by Corey Averio barging over on the right edge.

Reilly booted both for a 30-0 lead.

It wasn’t until inside the last 10 minutes that Cowra got on the board, but it was only a   consolation as St Pat’s fullback Nathan Lawrence finished off the victory for the visitors in the shadows of full time.

It was a day to forget for the Cowra Magpies and coach Steve Sutton admitted there were no real positives.

“Disappointing, we really didn’t turn up,” Sutton said.

“They didn’t do anything spectacular, we made them look better than what they probably were.

“The fact we’re one game closer to the end of what’s been a disappointing back end of the season is the about the only positive,” he said.

Hancock was impressed with the form of his side and highlighted Lawrence and Reilly as two stand outs in the clash.

He added that last year’s premiers need to keep their winning momentum.

“We’ve got Mudgee [next weekend] which will be a big test,” Hancock said.

“We want to compete and make sure we’re a show, otherwise the last three or four weeks mean nothing.”

The Bears suffered a loss to Orange CYMS which now leaves them sitting slightly more precariously than they looked a fortnight ago, though they do have an extra bye up their sleeve.

Bathurst St Pat’s 36 (Adam Morton 2, Mick Armstrong, Brady Cheshire, Corey Averio, Nathan Lawrence tries; Garry Reilly 5, Joey Coughlan goals) defeated Cowra Magpies 6 (Hayden Tidswell try; Caley Mok goal).