Lower Macleay dominated proceedings to end the game 54-18 winners, the Magpies biggest victory of the season.

"t was good to get out there and get the ball rolling, get through our plays and be ready for next week," coach Mike Davis told the Argus.

Jacob Smith and Davis himself went over for a hat-trick while Dennis Ritchie and Chris Holten scored doubles.

"Chris kicked most of the goals as well so he certainly scored a few points," Davis added.

The Magpies now move onto an important clash with Long Flat Dragons at Smithtown Oval.

Round two was the last time both sides met, with Long Flat winning 30-4.

"If we can play like we did on the weekend, hold the ball and complete our sets we'll be right," Davis said.

"The forwards laid the platform down for us and we just ran with it after that, we scored off most sets through completion and it has be done again against Long Flat."

Lower Macleay currently sit in third with 16 points while the Dragons are second on 17.

On the weekend, Long Flat came up against South West Rocks Marlins in an absolute try-a-thon with the Dragons winning 58-42.

In other results, Comboyne Tigers defeated Lake Cathie 60-28, Beechwood won 20-10 against the Kendall Blues; Laurieton Stingrays had a bye.

Hastings League President Geoff Connor said any of the top five teams have a reasonable chance of taking home the trophy this year.

"We are heading towards the business end of the year and some of these clubs are capable of stepping up another gear in the semi-finals, but there's not much between the teams at this point," he said.

"Considering it is the first year back after COVID last year it has been more difficult. Teams may have lost players who have gotten a bit older or taken up other activities such as fishing.

"I haven't received any directive from NSW Rugby League as yet regarding the most recent COVID changes, the only guidelines are that everyone wears a mask and people sign in with the QR Reader.

"But, unfortunately that can change."

South West Rocks Marlins will also play at home this weekend, hosting the Hurricanes at Marlin Park (South West Rocks Sports Ground).

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