THE 2010 Group 2 rugby league season is proving to be one of the closest ever contested.
The closeness of the scores proves that there is not much between all teams.
Undefeated leaders Port Sharks scored 24 first half points against Macleay, but failed to score again as Macleay hitting back with three tries and 16 second half points.
Compared to last year’s blown-out score lines, which often reached 100, it’s a credit to the clubs for building up player strength.
Nambucca Roosters’ first loss of 2010 to Bellingen was a surprise to all.
After leading 12-0 and having three tries pulled back by the referee, the Roosters could have led by 30 in the first half.
But the stop-start game frustrated the players and supporters and suited Bellingen in the second half, and to the joy of the healthy crowd ran out winners.
Picking a favourite to win this competition is wide open, with last year’s premiers Sawtell not hitting top form yet.
Vital points are up for grabs this weekend and sure to draw top crowds for Mother’s Day.
Orara Valley Axemen host Macksville, which is usually a high-scoring affair.
Macksville halves Nev Donovan and Edgar Cowell are the key in this game and must be contained for the home side to win.
Two hard-working packs of forwards will be led by hookers Grant Douglas and Grant Coleman.
A great battle looms at Woolgoolga when the home crowd hopes its team can defeat Bellingen.
The home side will be fitter and with Rob Toshack’s great kicking game will try to run Bellingen around.
Bellingen’s big physical pack will make a good foundation and clever No.6 Danny Russell will be a danger for Bellingen, along with Brad Hart running from dummy half.
Sawtell travels to Kempsey and normally would be guaranteed the points, but Macleay will match any forward pack and has the discipline to win games.
Leaders Port Sharks travel to the Coffs Comets hoping to maintain their position.
Sharks will rely on exciting backs Kieran Vale, Nac Kini Kini and Hamilton Hughes, who are great at scoring tries on any field.
The experience of Comets Matt Donovan, Rick McGrady and Ben McCarthy will need to be at their best.
NRL update
Fans still can’t warm to a Test match being played at the same time as City versus Country Origin, with Country fans waiting for the replay at 9.30.
With so many players involved officials could call the round off and use the Friday and Saturday nights.
What does Jamie Soward have to do to get a start? Terry Campese and Corey Paterson were also unlucky to miss out.
Exciting Raiders fullback Josh Dugan will be a superstar in the Country team and he is the reason why William Zillman was allowed to go to the Titans.
Dugan’s opposite Lachlan Coote from the Panthers is also in brilliant form, setting up a great duel.
With 11 NSW players in the Australian squad to play the Kiwis, it appears only seven spots are up for selection, barring injury, in the NSW Origin team.
The Sea Eagles have eight and Dragons, who are leading the competition, have only five players backing up the next day for their big clash.
Sunday’s Titans-Knights game is the pick of the round.
NRL fixtures – split round ( my tips in capital letters)
Friday: City v COUNTRY, AUSTRALIA v New Zealand.
Saturday: Sea Eagles v DRAGONS.
Sunday: Knights v TITANS, STORM v Broncos.
Monday: ROOSTERS v Cowboys.
Men of League
To celebrate the Heritage of Rugby League, Men of League officials will be at three local games next week.
Host clubs Coffs Harbour, Bellingen and Macksville will allow all Men of League members in the gate for free on presentation of their badge.
With nearly 200 members from Woolgoolga to Kempsey this will boost the crowd numbers.
We’re hoping to sign up new members to this great charity organisation. There will also be a donation tin and any gold coin donation will receive a tie pin of the Men of League.
It is set up for any city or country player who is struck down by illness or injury.
If anyone knows of ex-players in nursing homes or retirement players, contact me by email at peter@bellbowriemotors.com.au
Group 2 match of the round
Orara Valley v Macksville
Coramba Sportsground
Sunday, 2.45pm
Orara Valley
Will Gregson
Nathan Hardy
Chris Spears
Tavita Siols
Scott Lacey
Keedin Williams
Clark Webb
Joel Lacey
Grant Douglas
Paul Tomlinson
Sam Gilchrist
Daniel Tempest
Jarrod Few
Mike Castle
Matt Cheeseman
Coach: Darryl Fisher
Macksville
David Pickvance
Adam Dixon
Jesse McEwan
Nigel Hookey
Lester Holten
Edgar Cowell
Nev Donovan
Tyler Searle
Grant Coleman
Tony Grace
Luke Cartwright
Matt Byrnes
Remi Beuno
Bobby Jarrett
Michael Roberts
Coach: Grant Coleman
Other round 5 games (all on Sunday):
Coffs Comets v Port Sharks, Woolgoolga v Bellingen, Macleay Valley v Sawtell.
Barrett’s best: Macksville, Port Sharks, Woolgoolga, Sawtell.
Round 4 results:
First grade: Macksville d Woolgoolga 22-16, Bellingen d Nambucca Heads 19-18, Sawtell d Orara Valley 16-4, Port Macquarie d Macleay Valley 24-16.
Reserve grade: Macksville d Woolgoolga 30-26, Nambucca Heads d Bellingen 22-16, Sawtell d Orara Valley 14-10, Macleay Valley d Port Macquarie 28-22.
Under-18s: Macksville d Woolgoolga 16-6, Bellingen d Nambucca Heads 22-14, Orara Valley d Sawtell 28-16, Port Macquarie d Macleay Valley 44-8.
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