Axemen cut down Macksville
1st June 2009
AS was the case for Mark Twain, news of Orara Valley's demise has been greatly exaggerated.
The reigning premiers had lost too many gun players over the summer and a couple more to injury early in the
season to be a serious threat.
How far off the mark is that assessment?
After dismantling Macksville 40-24 yesterday, the Axemen are sitting second on the table trailing Sawtell on points
difference only.
Orara Valley raced out of the blocks in yesterday's blockbuster to have Macksville on their knees at the break
thanks to a 20 point margin.
The speed merchants of the Axemen backline Ardyn Foy and Jethro Campbell had scored and the defensive
pressure held the prolific scoring Sea Eagles to only one try.
In the second half Macksville managed another four tries with captain-coach Nev Donovan scoring a double and
Jesse McEwen picking up a hat-trick but by that stage it was a case of too little, too late.
A second half brace of tries by Axemen winger Nathan Hardy was enough to ensure they got the points for the third
time in a row over their supposed 'bogey' tem.