The Macleay Valley Mustangs are one win away from claiming the minor premiership after they escaped with a narrow 32-28 victory over the Port City Breakers at Verge St Oval on Saturday.
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The win maintains the Mustangs' four-competition point gap on the second placed Wingham Tigers, with two rounds remaining in the Group Three Rugby League regular season.
The Mustangs face the out of form and third placed Wauchope Blues, who are winless since round seven, at home this Saturday before they travel to face the Taree City Bulls in the final round.
One win from their final two games will lock up the minor premiership, a bye in the opening weekend of finals and a home semi-final on Sunday August 11.
The Mustangs recorded the four-point victory in a back and forth game and Russell was pleased his side was able to grab the two points.
"I was happy with our first half but we dropped down to their level in the second half," Russell said.
"We went away from our game plan and it turned scrappy but we got the two points and that's what matters most."
Centre Cecil Lardner crossed for a try in his 150th match for the Mustangs.
The one-club man latched onto a Stephan Blair grubber and dove over the try line in the first half.
Russell, who is Cecil's uncle, praised his relative for his commitment to the club.
"Cecil has been with the Mustangs for more than 10 years and played through the good and bad times," Russell said.
"It's a big milestone and we were all happy to get the win for him."
Owen Blair made his return from a four-game suspension and wasted little time to leave his mark on the game.
The fullback raced 80m to score the opening try of the contest.
"It was great to have him back. He was looking forward to playing, especially against his old club," Mustangs coach Russell Lardner told the Argus.
Blair's return saw Jeremy Taylor shift to the wing and Tyreece Sines and Stephan Blair remained the halves pairing.
Russell also thanked Kaine Parkinson and David Davis for stepping up from Under-18.5s and reserve grade, respectively.
"David has played good for us each game he has backed up for us," Russell said.
"Kaine is a great talent and I want to keep him in first grade but I also realise the Under-18.5s side is doing great things and I don't want to take him away from that."
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