A CARTER Hoy try in the dying stages has helped to seal a 20-10 victory for the Coffs Harbour Snappers against the Port Macquarie Pirates at Coffs Rugby Park.

It was the Snappers second win in a row to start their Upper Mid North Coast Rugby Union season.

With the game hanging in the balance and the Snappers leading 13-5 with less than 10 minutes to play, it would be Carter Hoy who rose to the occasion as the young forward barged over from close range carrying Pirates defenders over the line with him to score the match sealer.

The try was the result of intense pressure late from the Snappers, as they constantly attacked their try line and finally broke through.

The Snappers headed into half-time with a slender 6-0 lead against the Pirates.

The home side came out all guns blazing to start the second half, as a beautiful run out wide saw them score in the opening minute to take the lead to 13-0.

The early try seemed to spark the Pirates into action as they started to get on top early in the second half.

The Pirates pressure paid off as they crossed the line in the 50th minute to cut the margin to 13-5.

The game descended into a stop start contest for the next 20 minutes, before a late surge from the Snappers in crunch time led to Carter Hoy’s pivotal try.

It was his team’s defensive effort which pleased Snappers coach Brendan Hoy the most in their victory against the Pirates.

“Defence and attitude were the most impressive things,” he said.

“We’ve only had our lines crossed three times in two games, so we’re doing really well in that department.”

The coach breathed a sigh of relief as he watched his son score the match sealer.

“I was relieved as that put us two tries ahead, and once you get more than two tries ahead late in the game you can start to relax.

“It was relief more than anything.”

The first-grade win capped off a great day for the Snappers, as all four of their sides beat the Pirates.

The SCU Marlins also had a great Round 3, with all three of their sides in action winning on Saturday against the Bowraville Goannas and BDC Barracudas.

The Snappers are at home tomorrow afternoon against the 2019 premiers the Hastings Valley Vikings, while the Marlins are away to the Port Macquarie Pirates.

Round 3 results

First grade: Snappers 20 def. Pirates 10

Reserve grade: Snappers 31 def. Pirates 3

Women’s: Snappers 27 def. Pirates 0

Under 14’s: Snappers 24 def. Pirates 22

SCU Marlins v Bowraville Goannas and BDC Barracudas

Reserve grade: Marlins 26 def. Goannas 10

Women’s: Marlins 36 def. Goannas 5

Under 14’s: Marlins 60 def. BDC Barracudas 5

 

By Aiden BURGESS