THE Nambucca Roosters were away at Sawtell last weekend, coming out on top with a 48-28 score line.

Going into the first half with a strong south east wind in their face, the Roosters were forced into two line drop-outs within five minutes of the kick-off.

Despite the wind disadvantage Tyronne Roberts-Davis was powerful with the boot and positioned the ball for the Roosters fullback, Robby Smith, to be able to cover massive metres on two occasions, getting the visitors in front, 10-0.

With Nelson Langley unavailable for this game Jai Whaddy stepped into the No 9 position and the delivery of the ball to his outside backs was instrumental in getting Logan Jones across the line for three tries before half time, all converted by Tyronne Roberts-Davis.

Before the first half had finished the scales began to tip in the home side’s favour with Sawtell’s Oscar Watson and Jake Harvey utilising the wind to their advantage and picking up a try each.

The visitors came under more pressure with Tyronne Roberts-Davis sent off for 10 minutes and, not long after returning to the paddock, was stretchered from the field with a leg injury, not able to return for the rest of the game.

At half time the Nambucca Roosters had the lead, 34-10.

With the wind behind them in the second half the Roosters seemed happier with the conditions and Robby Smith went over again for his third try of the match.

Having a comfortable lead on the scoreboard, the Roosters opted for a more flamboyant style of play, however were punished for this by Sawtell stacking on three tries in quick succession, closing the gap to 40-28.

A penalty goal took the Roosters to 42-28 before Daniel Carter was able to race away to score, converted by Jai Whaddy and closing out the game.

In other grades, Nambucca won the Reserve Grade clash 40-24 in a real whole-of-team effort with Dean and Leroy Buchanan leading from the front throughout the game.

The U/18s were also victorious over Sawtell with a convincing 36-12 score line helped by Toby Batten able to convert six out of six attempts in tough conditions.

There are only two Nambucca Roosters games this weekend, Sunday 30 July, when the Roosters Mens Ist Grade play their Mens Mental Health Round at home against the Bellingen Valley/Dorrigo Magpies.

This fixture will also be the last game of the season for the Nambucca Roosters Women’s Rugby League team as they play their Women in League Round.

Both Roosters teams will be playing in jerseys specially designed for the round, which will be auctioned at the Golden Sands Tavern after the games with proceeds going to support Beyond Blue.

Entry to Coronation Park on Sunday is $5 with the ladies kicking off at 2pm and the 1st Grade at 3:15pm.

By Mick BIRTLES and Garry JOHNSON