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