Half an hour into the crucial clash, the Ratz were flying high with three unconverted tries through vigorous forward play and sweeping attacking back line attacks against a slumbering, tackle-shy Dolphins.

But the visitors overcame the loss of three players due to yellow card offences to rebound through Lee Crozier’s unerring boot and their traditional counter attacks to run in three tries and gain a 25-20 success for the probable home ground advantage of a major semi-final at Tuncurry on September 6. 

The fact that it was an unprecedented  11th successive win by the Dolphins in the Lower Mid North Coast rugby union premiership carried little importance. The glaring fact that they continue to make chest-high tackles against big men like the Ratz’ lock David Rees and running fullback, Ben Northam, should have relevance.

Three rounds remain in the minor premiership before next month’s semi-finals though indications are that the MNC Zone’s executive officer, Bob Wilson, will receive notice that the once renowned Old Bar Clams have packed their boots away for the winter and will forfeit their last three games.

It was the last news that the six-club competition needed though the anticipated bid for admission to the competition by an organisation from Wauchope could alleviate the position next year.

At Gloucester, the home-town Cockies inflicted a painful 33-8 defeat on the third-placed Wallamba Bulls while the Myall Coast Mudcrabs received a five-point forfeit from Old Bar, leaving fourth position wide open. 

In defeat, the Ratz were courageous to their final drop of sweat though coach Danial Stone’s chagrin was justified about his team’s loss of killer instinct on each side of half-time as the immaculate Crozier clipped over four successive goals and the Dolphins ran in three tries in 25 minutes to lead 25-15.

 The Ratz gathered their wits while the Dolphins fell back in the traces, forgoing their bid for a fourth try bonus point to allow David Rees to barge over for his second try.  

For a team performing so well, it was a strangely uncoordinated performance by the Dorvik Steel Dolphins. For a good season to become a great winter, players should take a leaf from the book of lock Nigel Pereira, backrowers Sean Hassett and Steve Stanton and halfback Liam Brady. 

In the Ratz’ ranks, young prop Lachie McCormick, backrowers Nick Mylanos and Chris Fitzsimmons, wingers Correy McFarlane and Luke Moroney all gave performances to justify the theory that the Dolphins are not long odds-on favourites for the title. 

Wrap up 

Forster-Tuncurry 25 (S Stanton K Forester N Naqito tries; L Crozier 2 goals 2 pen goals) beat Manning River 20 (D Rees 2 C Fitzsimmons C McFarlane tries). Gloucester 33 beat Wallamba 8). Myall Coast received forfeit from Old Bar.

Next Saturday’s draw: Forster-Tuncurry verse Old Bar at Tuncurry; Manning Valley verse Wallamba at Taree Rugby Park; Gloucester verse Myall Coast at Gloucester.

Phil Wilkins