THE Coffs Harbour Snappers 1st Grade drew 24-all with Port Pirates on Saturday and in doing so secured the minor premiership and the right to host the major semi-final on Saturday.
The game was played with finals intensity, and top spot on the ladder the glittering prize.
Snappers struck first after 15 minutes with Morgan French backing up Dan Yaya after a charge down. The Charlie Oates conversion was the last points of the first half.
Pirates struck back with their own converted try early in the second half. Jessie Suitor slotted a penalty goal and Pirates found themselves in front 10-7. Dan Yaya scored the first of his two tries midway through the second half and the Snappers looked to be in control before Pirates took the lead back again 17-12. In the same play, Snappers coach Mitch Walton was sent to the sin bin.
With 15 minutes to play, Snappers young gun half back Darcy Cruickshanks was sent off for a dangerous high tackle. Shortly after, Pirates struck again with their third converted try to lead 24-12.
Down to 13 men and with 5 minutes left on the clock, Snappers captain Tom Sheeley muscled his way over to breathe life back into his side. Oates converted and, with a minute to play, Dan Yaya finished off the miracle to score out wide and secure the minor premiership.
Best for the Snappers were Angus Cheetham, Dan Yaya, Zade Goodenough and Finn Martin.
The Snappers women dished out one of their most impressive performances of the year with a 24-7 victory over the Pirates ladies. Tries went to Rose Gibson, Sienna Nielsen and Mikaylah Miller. Destinee Morris crossed for a try and kicked two conversions.
The Snappers Reserve Grade completed their season undefeated with an impressive 43-15 win. Best for the Reserves were Nicolas Cassani, Mick Sherry and Sam Locke Kelly.
The Snappers will host seven games of rugby this Saturday at Bayrange Rugby Park for the major semi-final, with Snappers teams featuring in all seven matches.
All winners will advance through to the Grand Final on 12 September.
Those that lose will get a second chance in the preliminary final on 5 September.
There will be a gate charge of $10 for over-18s, no BYO alcohol permitted, a full bar from 12 noon, and full canteen facilities.
There will be strictly no parking permitted at Springloaded, except for their own patrons.
Traffic Control will be in place to direct cars to parking at Rex Hardaker Oval.
SCHEDULE:
9am – U14s Girls – Snappers v Pirates
10am – U14s Boys – Snappers Red v Vikings
11.10am – U16s Girls – Snappers v Marlins
12.10pm – U16s Boys – Snappers v Marlins
1.30pm – Women’s 1st Grade – Grafton v Snappers
2.50pm – Reserve Grade – Snappers v Pirates
4.20pm – 1st Grade Men – Snappers v Pirates
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