The Macleay Valley Mustangs had a successful day at home, winning three of their four matches against the Taree City Bulls.
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Second place on the competition ladder was on the line in first grade and the Mustangs’ experienced halves proved the difference in the final minutes as they grabbed a late winner to seal a 30-26 victory.
They took a 16-12 lead into the half time break through tries to Jake Smith, Anthony Cowan and Stephan Blair before Viliame Tobesewa made it 20-12 early in the second half.
Ill-discipline and errors began to creep into the Mustangs game and the Bulls made them pay, scoring three consecutive tries to take the score to 26-20.
The momentum swung back towards Macleay Valley and Tobesewa barged his way over to level the scores with five minutes left in the match.
With one of the final plays, halfback Anthony Cowan pulled off a chip and chase and drew the fullback before delivering a pass to captain-coach Dennis Ritchie who scored the match winner.
The victory gives the Mustangs a three competition point buffer on the third placed Bulls.
Mustangs reserve grade side were dominant, running out 34-6 victors.
The U18.5s held off a late fightback. The sides were level at 12 at the break but the Mustangs pulled away early in the second half leading 22-12.
The Bulls brought it back to 22-20 before Harold Thompson crossed to seal it.
The Macleay Fillies were defeated 12-4.