THEY are arguably the smallest side in this year's New Era Cup premiership, but CSU proved they can muscle up when required by downing Portland 34-16 on Saturday at Diggings Oval.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
While Portland certainly hit hard and CSU had to commit multiple people to tackles throughout the contest, the Colts were unable to over-run the Mungoes.
Instead it was the hosts who came from a 6-0 deficit to snatch the honours.
Unlike the opening round when the Mungoes were unable to capitalise on their chances against Orange Barbarians, this time they were able to punish when Portland made errors.
"I don't the body could have handled much more of that, yeah, it was physical," CSU halfback and co-coach Billy Dickinson said.
"It was great to be back in the winning circle. After last week, we were pretty disappointed with that. We were disappointed with how we played last week, so winning today was awesome.
"Last week we weren't really able to capitalise on their errors, but this week I think we did that a lot better."
Portland scored the opening try off their first set off the match as winger Neville Turner palmed off the Mungoes' cover defence and crossed in the left corner. He then nailed the sideline conversion to make it 6-0.
Portland threatened again soon after when a good kick-chase from Dallas Booth forced a line-drop out, but the Mungoes stood firm.
After being piggy-backed down field via a penalty, the Mungoes then opened their account. Joe Heien crossed after a nice Joe Coady pass created an overlap.
READ MORE: Mungoes fall short in season opener
READ MORE: Lawson to notch up 100th first grade game
READ MORE: Form Magpies are waiting for the Saints
Four minutes later Kris Kennedy pulled off a massive hit to put Turner into touch as the Portland winger looked headed for his second try, and that lifted the Mungoes.
Fullback Sam Groom crossed two minutes out from the break - Coady again throwing the final pass - and Dickinson converted to make it 12-6.
Forward passes and knock-ons saw CSU having to defend early in the second half, but they held on then skipped further ahead on 55 minutes when Groom crossed for his second.
A Booth intercept try saw Portland edge back within striking distance at 18-12, but three tackles after the kick-off the Colts knocked on.
Mungoes lock Darcy Abel made that error hurt even more as he broke away down the right to score and when Dickinson crossed off the next set and converted, the hosts were in control at 28-16.
Want a discounted subscription to follow Bathurst sport this winter? Click here
CSU then opted for a short kick-off and it worked as Oscar Thorburn secured the ball.
They went on to force a line drop-out, and finished with Lachlan Balcombe crashing over to in the left corner to ice the win.