The Macleay Valley Mustangs reserve grade side overturned a 14-6 half-time deficit to defeat the Taree City Bulls 16-14 in their elimination final in Taree on Saturday.
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The Mustangs applied the pressure for the opening seven minutes, camped in the Bulls’ territory.
However, dropped ball with the line open on three occasions came back to haunt the Mustangs as the Bulls made the Mustangs pay, crossing the line in their first attacking raid.
The Mustangs quickly responded to level the scores at 6 through a solo effort from Rodney Daley.
The centre received an early ball 20m out from the Bulls’ line and beat two defenders to get the Mustangs back in the match.
The away team continued to apply the pressure but the Bulls’ defence held firm before they turned defence into attack, crossing for two tries to end the half.
The Mustangs clawed back when Alifie Drew crossed in the opening minutes of the second half to trail by two points before Paul Ritchie gave them the lead with 10-minutes remaining in the final.
Each side went back and forth with opportunities but their defences were not breached as the Mustangs held on for a 16-14 victory.
The side advances to face the Port Macquarie Sharks this Saturday in an elimination final.
The two sides split their meetings during the regular season, with the Mustangs earning a 24-22 come from behind win in round 11.
Forwards Justin Murphy and Justin Kelly return for the clash in a huge boost for the Mustangs.
