Coffs Harbour Snappers seniors shape up for semis

THE Snappers’ 1st Grade Women held on to beat a fast-finishing Marlins side 15-12 in local rugby action on the weekend at Bayrange Rugby Park.

The Snappers raced to a 15-0 lead before the Marlins mounted their comeback.

Snappers’ flyer Brooklyn French crossed for two tries with crafty half Erin Sandry scoring the side’s third try.

It was end-to-end action in the first half with both sides creating plenty of opportunities.

Marlins’ Danielle Atkinson struck first for the visitors before Ella Mainey scored a converted try, with Sierra Williams slotting the conversion to bring the score to 15-12 with 15 minutes to play.

Marlins had the ascendency and field position late in the game but couldn’t convert the pressure.

French pulled off a sensational cover tackle for the Snappers late in the game which proved to be a match winner.

Marlins showed they will be no easy beats come finals time.

Snappers will play Pirates this weekend in Port Macquarie while Marlins have the bye.

Semi Finals – Women’s 1st XV:

August 29 – Major semi-final – Grafton v Snappers

August 30th – Minor semi-final – Marlins v Port Pirates

Snappers Reserve Grade outclassed a gallant Marlins outfit 29-12. Best for Snappers were Brenton Cochrane, Alex Vaughan, Dane Cross and Jason Allwood.

The Snappers Reserve Grade have secured the minor premiership and will travel to Port to take on the Pirates this weekend, which will be a preview to the major semi final the following weekend.

Marlins will travel Port Macquarie in a must win game versus Hastings Valley Vikings. Marlins can take fourth spot on the ladder with a win over the Vikings. They’ll also need Kempsey to defeat Grafton.

All teams remain a chance of playing finals leading into this weekend.

Snappers’ 1st Grade will be battling the Port Pirates tomorrow for the minor premiership and the right to host the major semi-final on August 29.

By James DE DASSEL