SATURDAY proved a tough day out for the Macleay Valley Mustangs at Verge Street Oval as the under 18's side took on Wingham Tigers in a shootout for Group 3 first place.
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Both sides were coming off strong wins, with the Mustangs smashing Port Macquarie Sharks and Wingham making light work of Forster-Tuncurry Hawks.
Macleay Valley started strong in the first quarter with Bailey Thompson crashing over the line to make it 4-0.
The physicality and intensity of the game then really started to shine through as both sides attempted to break the line.
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A mistake by the Mustangs on their goal-line proved costly just before half-time as Wingham pounced and made it 4-4 with the conversion unsuccessful.
The majority of the second quarter continued to be played in the middle with both sides tackling and running hard.
A great run by Ethan Cooper from inside the Mustangs half saw him scream down the left hand sideline before being brought down with Macleay Valley unable to capitalise and score off the back of an exciting attacking build up.
Five-eight Tim Bull was then injured just before the half-time whistle, leaving Mustangs without their main attacking kicking weapon for the majority of the game.
Both sides went into half-time locked at four all.
The third quarter proved to be a barrage of hit-ups and more defence with no break out plays.
Rain began to fall in the final quarter with ball-handling becoming a significant issue.
Mustangs lock, Ethan Thompson, upped his intensity in defence to try and lift his team as Tim Bull returned to the field.
However, in the final ten minutes Wingham managed to get themselves into Mustangs territory with a quality passage of passing leading to the Tigers crashing over the line, with a successful conversion making it a 10-4.
With five minutes to spare the Mustangs managed to create an opportunity on the far right side, with a simple draw and pass method leaving the winger unmarked. Wingham's edge defence proved to strong however, snuffing out the chance for a final pass and any chance of an equaliser.
The full-time whistle then blew to finish the game at 10-4 as Mustangs moved to third place with the Tigers in outright first.
The under 16's Kempsey Dragons gained two points to push themselves into fourth after a Wingham forfeit.
Meanwhile in Group 2 action, Smithtown Tigers had a successful weekend with wins to their 16's league tag, 14's, 12's, 11's and 10's sides.