The Bellinger Valley/ Dorrigo Magpies ran into a red hot Nambucca Heads Rooster in centre, Jay Melrose, when they played the Roosters on Saturday.
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The Roosters winning comfortably in first grade but just getting over the line in U18s.
In first grade the game seemed over in the first 10 minutes as the Roosters led by Jay Melrose continually cut holes in the Magpie defence to put on three tries and lead 16-0.
The Magpies then were able to get their defence together and get some field position. This led to a clever try to Luke Beaumont and a team try to Chris Morcombe.
Luke converted both and the Magpies were back in the game at 16-12. Melrose however scored again and set up another to give the visitors the lead 28-12 at the halftime break.
After half time a Luke Beaumont bomb led to a Shane Holten try and the Magpies trailed 28-16.
The Roosters replied with two quick tries before Corey Cross burst through the Rooster defence to score adjacent to the posts.
Troy Robinson then crossed for the Magpies with Luke Beaumont converting both and the Magpies were well on top at 38-28. Jay Melrose crossed again for the Roosters followed by James Weimer from the kick off and the Roosters led 46-28.
Marshall Davis scored a late try for the Magpies to leave the final score at 46-32 to the Roosters.
The U18s promised to be close struggle as the win was impacted for both teams. Blake Archibald scored early for the Magpies and Jack Mitchell converted and the Magpies led 6-0. The Roosters then scored two tries one of which was converted to lead 10-6 at the break.
The Roosters scored early in the second half to take the score out to 16-6. Dane Cross scored for the Magpies, Jack Mitchell converted and they trailed 16-12.
The Magpies then made two crucial mistakes, which had them, defending solidly for 10 minutes or so.
This told eventually and the Roosters scored to go out to 20-12.
Late in the half Zek Major crossed for the Magpies, Jack again converted and the trailed 20-18. This being the final score.
On Saturday the Magpies play Orara in first grade only starting at noon at Coramba.