SATURDAY’S round 17 clash with the Bowraville Tigers held extra significance for the Laurieton Stingrays, with fan favourite Nick ‘Buckets’ McCabe running out for his 50th game for the club.

The Tigers knew they were facing an uphill battle from the off, arriving at Stingray Stadium with only twelve players.

Despite this huge disadvantage, it was Bowraville’s Leroy Buchanan who put the first points on the board.

Brian Chapman kicked the conversion, giving the Tigers an early 6-0 lead.

Not to be outshined on his milestone day, McCabe responded by scoring his first try of the game.

The Gardner conversion was successful and the scores were levelled at 6-6.

Momentum then swung back to the Tigers when Tyerman crossed the try line.

Chapman successfully converted another two points, the score now 12-6.

Fighting for his team’s place in the top three, Laurieton’s Gardner was next to cross the try line, however the conversion was unsuccessful.

The Stingrays then began to surge ahead with consecutive tries to McCabe, Clyburn and Wheeler.

Gardner’s conversions were all successful, resulting in the Rays taking a lead of 28-12.

Against the run of play and just before halftime, Chapman secured a much needed try for the Tigers.

The Rays started the second half strongly, with a third try to McCabe and another successful Gardner conversion further extending their lead to 34-16.

With the Tigers losing players rapidly, scoring opportunities came thick and fast for the Rays, with an additional try to Wheeler and a Pensini double.

The score now 48-16, referee Corey Richardson was forced to call the game due to injuries depleting the Tigers’ numbers, leaving them unable to continue.

Despite the outcome, a spokesperson for the Bowraville Tigers commended their team’s resilience.

“It was disappointing to make the trip with only twelve players,” they said.

“The Stingrays were well prepared as usual and played a great game.

“Unfortunately for the Tigers a few boys pulled the pin out only this morning, leaving the team without a bench.

“The team showed a lot of heart and they didn’t give up, but just had nothing left by the second half.”

Stingrays captain/coach Jake Wheeler expressed gratitude to the Tigers for their dedication in making the trip with limited numbers.

He also highlighted the supporters who came out to cheer on McCabe’s 50th game, in which he delivered a hat-trick of tries.

“The win locked our position in the top three on the ladder and gave us an opportunity to try different combinations leading into the semi-finals,” Wheeler told News Of The Area.

Looking ahead, the Laurieton Stingrays are gearing up for a massive weekend of rugby league.

Both senior teams will be playing at home for their Indigenous and charity rounds, with all proceeds going to Self-Seen, a support network for men dealing with mental health challenges.

The men are up against Beechwood Shamrocks and will kick off at 1.30pm.

The main game of the day will be the Laurieton Women’s team, who are up against the Wingham Tigers.

Kick off at 3.00pm.

By Kim AMBROSE