THIRD quarter woes once again came back to plague the Bathurst Panthers who were bested 42-28 by Orange CYMS in their Western Youth League clash at Carrington Park on Sunday.
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Panthers bounced back with a better brand of football than what they showed a week earlier against the Orange Hawks, bringing themselves within a try of CYMS at half-time, but their defence went missing shortly after.
Coach Mick Carter was hopeful the team would be able to use the momentum they gained shortly before the break, where they picked up a try to make it 22-16.
It wasn't to be.
"The defence was very poor. They started great but, as has been the case all year, we've been playing in five to 10 minute periods with brilliant football and then outside of that there's been some terrible football," Carter said.
"CYMS definitely turned up ready to play. I think we were better prepared than we were a week before, and we went into the sheds right in the contest. There was plenty of positive talk and we go onto the field and then it's non-existent."
A couple of quick tries to CYMS after the break meant Panthers needed to find a quick response, otherwise the win would get out of their reach.
Panthers were able to find points and continue to create chances in attack but their defence wasn't matching their efforts with the ball.
"All year that third quarter has been a problem for us," Carter said.
"At the back end of the game we had blokes firing up and wanting to show good energy and aggression. We needed that from the kick-off, not with five minutes to go."
CYMS centres Sam Murphy and Cooper Monk had a field day, each scoring a hat-trick of tries.
Panthers need to regroup before their upcoming clash with rivals St Pat's this Sunday.