With the final score 87-66, Moss Vale trailed 22-4 in the first quarter and found it hard to come back from there.

"The last two (games) our starts have been the reason why we've lost. We're lacking intensity at the start and that's cost us," coach Kevin Campbell said.

"We won the other three quarters. Take that first quarter out of it and we win the game."

But as to why the team has failed to fire from the first whistle, Campbell said he was mystified.

"I wish I knew the answer to that. Maybe the warm up needs to be more intense."

Campbell said the team's free throws, with a conversion of six from 21 on Saturday, was another thing it needed to improve.

"That's way under the standard."

Pat Chaumont led the way scoring 22 points and was followed by Mitch Davies (13 points), Nick Bizjak (11 points) and Dane Jensen (10 points).

Back in Youth League after a couple of years break, Campbell said the team had performed well so far.

"We're definitely a finals chance."

As an under-22 competition, most players will be able to continue in the team for the next three years which will allow the side to build.

Moss Vale's next challenge will be a double header on May 3 and 4.

On Saturday the Magic will travel to Newcastle before heading to Maitland on Sunday to take on the competition leaders.

Campbell said the side was a good chance to beat Newcastle and it would be a tough challenge for the boys against Maitland.

The next match after that will be away at Penrith before a run of home games before the finals.

Along with free throws, Campbell said Moss Vale would need to work on its discipline in defence after a few "silly" fouls on Saturday.

"There were quite a few turnovers where we threw the ball away."

Point guard Billy Campbell was forced to spend most of the second half on the bench after he incurred four fouls in the first half.