The Dolphins went down, two tries to three and 10-15, but coach Ron McCarthy saw encouraging signs from his team, especially in new fullback Mark Hagarty’s running and the heavy work done by his forwards.

“We’ve got the makings of a good side. We’re further advanced than we were at this stage last year,” McCarthy said.

The Dolphins will have to be advanced in their preparation if they are to claim any of the $2000 prizemoney with 20 teams taking part in the “Schweppervescent Tens”, beginning at 8.30am.

MNC representative Tom Harris will again lead the Dolphins, but teams from Maitland, Newcastle, Kariong, Muswellbrook and Terrigal as well as local clubs, Manning River, Wallambah, Harrington and Gloucester will make it a tough tournament to win to claim the $1000 first prizemoney. In their trial, the Dolphins ran on a big pack against the Bulls with Luke Wilson, James Clarke and Ben Manning scrummaging strongly and Shane Dean, Chris Edwards and Ryan Fenning sharing locking duties.

In the back row with champion No 8 John Vakaahi watching from the sideline, Troy Haines showed pleasing glimpses with his strong running.

Tim Lancaster has returned after three years away at university in Bathurst and provided a neat service at halfback while the Dolphins’ player of the year for 2009, centre Colin Harris, displayed some of his bullocking strength in midfield.

Wallambah club has gained the services of Gloucester’s MNC representative hooker Ben “Pumba” Williams.

With a return of several players to rugby league from Wallambah, Williams will be an important addition to their pack.

Williams and fellow Wallambah forwards, prop Jason Quinn and MNC flanker Daniel Hessing, all took part in the trial and gave pleasing performances.

SINGLETON BULLS 15 (Andrew Dopson Trevor Griffiths Mick Dorahy tries) beat

FORSTER TUNCURRY DOLPHINS 10 (Mark Hagarty Tom Harris tries).

- Phil Wilkins