TWO close games in the Kennards Hire Mid North Coast Rugby competition on Saturday with Southern Cross University Marlins and the Kempsey Cannonballs securing wins against Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie respectively.

The SCU Marlins had to come from behind in a thrilling 2nd half contest to beat their cross-town rivals the Snappers at Bayrange Rugby Park in Coffs Harbour.

After trailing through the 1st half the Marlins dominated the 2nd and went to an 8 point lead before the Snappers threw everything at them before finishing 1 point short.

In Crescent Head the Cannonballs once again showed that they will upset a few sides this season with a disciplined 8 point win over the Pirates.

Hastings Valley retained their spot at the top of the ladder after a Bye, however their 2nd Grade side suffered a 2 point loss at the hands of the Bowraville Goannas, who have now won 3 on the trot.

In the Lower Mid North Coast Manning River Ratz were too strong for an understrength Old Bar, and Wauchope won a tight battle with Wallamba.

Upper Mid North Coast

 

1st Grade

 

SCU Marlins         25           def          Coffs Harbour      24

 

Kempsey               33           def          Port Macquarie    25

 

Lower Mid North Coast

 

Manning River      78           def          Old Bar                  10

 

Wauchope            17           def          Wallamba             8

 

By Bruce WORBOYS