An improved start helped Waratahs to their third straight win of the season.
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The Wagga side added to an up and down beginning to the season from Leeton to take a 43-24 win at Leeton No.1 Oval on Saturday.
Waratahs led 24-5 at half-time before a mixed second half.
Co-coach Angus Stevenson was thrilled with how the side started off after struggling to get things going early in their games so far this season.
"The first half was impressive," Stevenson said.
"It was 24-5 at half-time and I thought even their try early on was good fortune rather than them building and pressure or composure.
"I thought we played a really good first half but just have to put two halves together.
"This is probably the first week where we started quite well, in previously weeks we've failed to get off the mark and given teams an easy handicap, but I thought it was a good day.
"It is always tough when you go to Leeton or Griffith at their home.
"They always left against us and they did that.
"They stayed in the game and were hungry for it at all times."
James Grimmett crossed for a double as he continues to make his presence felt an outside centre.
Charlie Sykes was also strong through the forward pack.
After a loss to Wagga City to start the season, Waratahs are now in third one point behind Ag College and the Boiled Lollies.
The three Wagga clubs and Tumut all have a three and one record to start the season.
Leeton sit in fifth a win behind.
Stevenson expects the Phantoms will continue to improve after a better showing in the second half.
"We played a good first 50 minutes of football and then I think we were a bit tired and lacklustre in the last half an hour," he said.
"I think Leeton were really good and are only going to get better as they play more football together as a team.
"It definitely showed when they played together as a unit rather than just one-off efforts they are very threatening and can attack from any where."
The Phantoms have had two wins and two losses to start the season, with both of their defeats at home to last years two grand finalists.
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