ROUND two of the Carlton Mid Group 2 competition last weekend certainly produced an upset or two, with the south putting it all over the north.
The biggest upset came when premiers Sawtell couldn’t peg back the resurgent Nambucca at Toormina.
Nambucca forwards took them on and unsettled the home side, with James Livock and Dean Uruquart leading the way in the 24-20 win, which has new coach Garron Stig beaming. But he knows there’s a long way to go and they need to play this way every week.
Macleay Valley produced an outstanding effort to defeat Woolgoolga 26-18 at Kempsey.
Forwards Adam McMurray, captain-coach Steve Howe and Grant Schubert paved the way for the win.
Macksville, after a first round bye, won all three grades against Coffs Comets.
The southern sides completed the day when Port Macquarie had too much for the Orara Valley, winning 28-20.
In this weekend’s games, the Nambucca Roosters host neighbours Macksville in what will be a keenly contested local derby on Saturday.
The Roosters, after ten years struggling to attract players and sponsors and with only a couple of wins a year, have a hard-working committee to help regain their pride.
Down the road, Macksville has dominated for the last 10 years, winning five premierships.
But now the Roosters would love to turn the tables.
Former Macksville star and leader Garry Jarrett will line up for the first time against his old club and will add plenty of spice to this game.
Macksville captain-coach Grant Coleman and Nev Donovan at half will hold the key to the Sea Eagles’ chances.
Rooster centre Tyrone Usher-Kinnear is in great form and will cause plenty of headaches.
Sawtell travel to Woolgoolga, with both teams hoping to return to the winners’ list.
Panthers have lost Kris Watson for the year with a torn bicep after a strong return in round one.
The Comets are at home against Bellingen, with both teams looking for their first win, and for this reason should produce a great contest for supporters.
A lot will depend on playmakers Ben McCarthy (Comets) and Dan Russell (Magpies) to gain the advantage.
Comet Tyler Corfe and Bellingen hooker Josh Young are players to watch.
Orara Valley, also looking for its first win, will welcome surprise winners Macleay Valley to Coramba.
Pioneers impress
Oxley Pioneers produced outstanding rugby league in Muswellbrook last weekend to advance to the semi-finals of the NSW Country championship.
Eight regional teams contested the title and all games were played at a high standard.
The young Pioneers were the highest qualifiers after defeating the Southern Redbacks (Illawarra/Group 6) 36-8 after leading 22-0 at halftime.
Farrer fullback Ryan Pooley, Taree City prop William Clarke and Gunnedah forward Heath McIveen stood out.
The second game on Sunday was a hard-fought effort in overcoming the South Coast’s Southern Stingrays 22-6.
Wingham’s Sam Power, halfback Neil Henry and centre Matt Allwood had outstanding games.
Woolgoolga’s Mitch Dockery, on the right wing, showed great determination in attack and handled the high ball under pressure.
Teammate Steve Goodwin’s versatility allowed him to play anywhere from five-eighth to wing and he also handled all situations.
This Saturday the Pioneers travel to Bathurst to take on Newcastle Rebels, hoping to win through to a third straight grand final.
NRL update
The Dragons are back on top after the Storm suffered another defeat, while giants Eels and Bulldogs have finally awoken to give their supporters a glimmer of hope.
The Anzac Day traditional encounter between Dragons and Roosters will be a beauty, with Jason Ryles lining up against his former club.
Monday night again looks the best, with Sea Eagles and the Titans.
NRL Round 7 ( my tips in capital letters)
Friday: Cowboys v EELS, BULLDOGS v Broncos. Saturday: PANTHERS v Tigers, Sharks v KNIGHTS. Sunday: RAIDERS v Rabbitohs, DRAGONS v Roosters, STORM v Warriors. Monday: SEA EAGLES v Titans.
Group 2 MATCH OF THE ROUND
Nambucca Heads v Macksville
Coronation Park, Nambucca Heads
Saturday, 2.30pm
Nambucca
Warwick Jones
Jamaine Ballingery
Jack Lhuede
Tyrone Usher- Kinnear
Andrew Budd
Garry Jarrett
Mick Ronan
James Livock
Matt Field
Jeremy Burrows
Dean Uruquart
Taylor Hamilton Giggins
Geoff Batten
Tristan Hamilton Giggins
Troy Hill
Coach: Garron Stig
Macksville
David Pickvance
Adam Dixon
Luke Cartwright
Nigel Hookey
Lester Campbell
Jesse McEwan
Nev Donavan
Tyler Searle
Grant Collison
Troy Grace
Ramy Briers
Matt Brynes
Grant Coleman
Bobby Jarrett
Kyle Miller
Grant Coleman
Other round 3 games:
Coffs Harbour v Bellingen (saturday), Woolgoolga v Sawtell (sunday), Orara Valley v Macleay Valley (Sundday). Bye: Port Macquarie.
Barrett’s best: Nambucca Heads, Coffs Harbour, Sawtell, Orara Valley.
Round 2 results:
First grade: Macksville d Coffs Harbour 33-18, Port Macquarie d Orara Valley 28-20, Nambucca Heads d Sawtell 24-20, Macleay Valley d Wooolgoolga 26-18.
Reserve grade: Macksville d Coffs Harbour 28-26, Orara Valley d Port Macquarie 48-10, Sawtell d Nambucca Heads 48-0, Macleay Valley d Woolgoolga 34-28.
Under-18s: Macksville d Coffs Harbour 36-18, Port Macquarie d Orara Valley 28-12, Sawtell d Nambucca Heads 34-0, Woolgoolga d Macleay Valley 22-20.
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