Pirates got the points they were after but were given a stern opening round examination by Scone at Ken Chillingworth Oval on Saturday. It was a lot harder work for the premiers than the 47-25 scoreline suggests, with only a handful of points in it midway through the second half. “They’re going to surprise a lot of sides this year,” Pirates coach Mat Kelly said. He thought their fitness probably shone through in the end as they ran away with it. They also got back to playing

Pirates tuned up for their Central North title defence with a good trial win over Sydney Subbies side Balmain at Scully Park on Saturday. The hit-out against the Division 1 outfit was just what Pirates coach Mat Kelly was after for his side and has them in good shape for season kick-off on April 22. “I couldn’t be happier. It was exactly what the boys needed,” Kelly said. “There were some very good signs.” Pirates seconds and women’s 7’s also tackled the Sydneysiders, the lat