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Broncos hit the ground running

Harley Speight slips through the Broncos' defence in the first half.

The Karratha Broncos have come out of pre-season firing with a 20-point win over the Wickham Wasps on Saturday night.

A big crowd watched the Broncos get off to a flying start with two tries in the opening 20 minutes before the home side clicked into gear and hit back with two tries of their own to level the scores at 10-apiece.

As the field started to open up close to the half-time buzzer, another converted try to Mitch O'Riordan had the Broncos headed to drinks with a six-point advantage.

The second half saw the Broncos put the foot down to pile on another 22 points.

The Wasps crossed for two tries of their own in the second half but with a final score of 18 to 38, the spoils went to the visitors.

Broncos coach Paul Veenstra said the team was a bit scrappy but put in a pleasing performance for the first round.

"We had a good start in both halves but Wickham came back with a few quick tries both times and we managed to hang on," he said.

"We just need to work on a bit of fitness and a few other things this week so we're not as scratchy this weekend.

"We'll see how we go this weekend with the Storm; it's a different ball game against them."

Broncos captain Anthony Lolohea was awarded players player on the night.

Wasps coach Paul Bloomfield said ball security cost them the game.

"To be in it right up to the last 15 minutes with the amount of ball we had was good," he said.

"The forward defence was pretty good, that was a standout for us."

Bloomfield said the ball control would be the focus at training this week.

The Wasps will take on reigning champions the Karratha Roosters in Wickham this weekend while the Broncos head home to Bulgarra to face the Karratha Storm.