THE SCU Marlins and Coffs Harbour Snappers played a midweek slugfest which left everyone in the dark after the flood lights went off and the match was abandoned during the second half.

The evening started on a damp note when the sprinklers came on before kick-off creating a delay, but once the match got underway the crowd enjoyed a typical end to end derby with lots of big hits.

At two tries apiece, the match was finely poised at 15-12 to the Marlins with the Snappers on the charge with a penalty in front of the goal-posts when the lights went off.

Both clubs walked away disappointed and Marlins coach AJ Gilbert shared his frustration with the early bath.

“Was a pretty frustrating way to finish the game, with lights and sprinkler issues setting back the start of first grade,” he said.

“The overall match was a bit of a slugfest, some massive contact in all areas of the game.

“There will definitely be some sore bodies today.”

Snappers coach Brendan Hoy echoed the sentiment of a disappointing conclusion to the derby.

“First grade was a typical tough contest with nothing in it right up to when the game was abandoned because the lights went out,” he said.

“At that time the Marlins were leading 15-12 however we had just been awarded a penalty right in front which would have levelled the game.

“Very disappointing for everyone involved.”

But Hoy was pleased how his team backed up for the Tuesday catch-up match following a gruelling 38-34 win against the Port Pirates at the weekend.

“Our guys were gutsy after a two day turnaround from a hard game against Pirates which produced lots of bumps and bruises.

“The Marlins were fresh as their game last week was another wash out.

“We lost two experienced forwards through injury Chris Tonks and Cameron Sweeney in the first half which meant the younger players had to step up, which they did.

“Blake Southern was great at half and Trent Withers and Carter Hoy stepped up and took over the team.

“Great to have Josh Miller back in the team and the twins Tom and Hayden Sheely have staked their claims to stay in the first grade squad for a number of years.

“On a wet night our backs were good with Buddy Hart running a group that had not trained together much.”

After scoring the match winner against the Pirates, crowd favourite Luke Papalardo put on a performance that earned him the respect of his teammates and the players’ player award.

“Once again Luke Papalardo on the wing impressed in attack but also defence where he chopped down guys twice his size,” said Hoy.

“Luke is about 5’5 when standing on a ladder but is one of the best tacklers in the side.

“We think awarding the game to the Marlins would not be fair or do the game justice, I know the AJ Marlins boys were disappointed as well.”

By David WIGLEY