PORT Macquarie Pirates have won their top-of-the-ladder clash against the Coffs Harbour Snappers during the latest round of the Mid North Coast Rugby Union Northern Division season.
The Pirates inflicted the Snappers’ first loss of the season, prevailing 22-19 at Coffs Rugby Park.
The match marked an impressive milestone for Port’s Kaes Besseling, who ran on for his 100th first-grade game with the club.
The Pirates paid tribute to Besseling’s achievement on social media:
“This journey began 19 years ago, on a Friday night at Stuart’s Park. Kaes became a Pirate!
“Throughout the past 19 years Kaes has played in and led teams through crushing losses and amazing successes, hoisting high premiership shields and receiving awards and recognition for his hard work and commitment to the game from both his club and MNC Rugby.
“Debuting at 17 in first grade and quickly earning his permanent spot in the team, playing with and learning from the many older and experienced team members, it is hard to believe that today he is one of those older and experienced players that others now look up to and respect.
“So today we celebrate him running out for his 100th First Grade game, congratulations and well done Kaes.”
The Coffs Harbour Snappers reserves remained undefeated, defeating the Port Macquarie Pirates 24-13 in their top-of-the-ladder clash.
The Coffs Harbour Snappers women had a 36-10 win against the Port Macquarie Pirates.
The SCU Marlins reserves were 20-10 winners against the Hastings Valley Vikings in Port Macquarie.
The Grafton Redmen belted the Kempsey Cannonballs 67-24, in their first grade encounter at Grafton Rugby Park.
Round 11
The Mid North Coast Rugby Union Northern Division season continues this weekend with Round 11 matches.
Ladder leaders the Coffs Harbour Snappers head south to take on the Kempsey Cannonballs.
The SCU Marlins are at home against the Grafton Redmen, and the Port Macquarie Pirates and Hastings Valley Vikings clash in their local derby.
First grade ladder 1.Coffs Harbour Snappers. 33 points. 6 wins. 1 draw. 1 loss. Points differential (p.d): 149. 2.Port Macquarie Pirates. 30 points. 6 wins. 2 losses. (p.d): 108. 3.Grafton Redmen. 4 wins. 1 draw. 3 losses. (p.d): 109. 4.Hastings Valley Vikings. 19 points. 3 wins. 5 losses. (p.d): -69. 5.Kempsey Cannonballs. 4 points. 0 wins. 8 losses. (p.d): -297.
By Aiden BURGESS
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