THE Port Macquarie Pirates put on a great rugby spectacle for the visiting Governor of NSW and her husband last weekend, recording an emphatic 67-26 win against the Hastings Valley Vikings and leapfrogging to the top of the first-grade competition ladder.
Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, who visited Stuart Park with her husband Dennis Wilson, was on hand to present life memberships to club stalwarts, Michael Reid and Paul Trotter, and pay tribute to their extraordinary dedication and service to the Pirates.
Governor Beazley also acknowledged the major milestones of Kaes Besseling, who recently recorded 100 first-grade games for the club; Connor Robinson (50 in 1st XV) and Cooper Reichelt (50 in 1st XV).
Her Excellency also took time to chat with and congratulate the Pirates Women, who have notched up 10 years on the rugby paddock.
In first grade, the esteemed couple were treated to a try-fest where Port Macquarie ran in a resounding 67 points, to which Hastings Valley could only record 26 in reply.
The win pushed the Pirates to the front of the Mid North Coast Rugby Union Northern Division First XV ladder, with just two rounds of competition remaining before the finals series.
Meanwhile, at Crescent Head, the Kempsey Cannonballs caused a massive boilover, breaking through for their first win of the season by toppling the Coffs Harbour Snappers, who have led the comp all season.
The gallant Kempsey side outplayed the Snappers in all facets of the game, with the Snappers’ only points coming from two long-range intercepts.
In Reserves, the Snappers remain undefeated after edging out the Kempsey Cannonballs 17-14.
The Grafton Redmen were too good for the SCU Marlins, finishing 63-17 winners at Coffs Coast Sport and Leisure Park.
This weekend rings in round 12 of the competition. The Coffs Harbour Snappers host the ever-improving Grafton Redmen at Coffs Rugby Park, during what will be the Snappers’ Old Boys Day. With only three games left, the Snappers need to get back into the winner’s circle to maintain their position in the top two.
The SCU Marlins head south to take on the Port Macquarie Pirates at home, and the Kempsey Cannonballs host the Hastings Valley Vikings
First grade ladder 1.Port Macquarie Pirates. 35 points. 7 wins. 2 losses. (p.d): 149. 2.Coffs Harbour Snappers. 33 points. 6 wins. 1 draw. 2 losses. Points differential (p.d): 141. 3.Grafton Redmen. 27 points. 4 wins. 1 draw. 3 losses. (p.d): 109. 4.Hastings Valley Vikings. 20 points. 3 wins. 6 losses. (p.d): -110. 5.Kempsey Cannonballs. 8 points. 1 win. 8 losses. (p.d): -289.
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