By MATT NICHOLLS
PORT Macquarie will play finals football this year after sealing a top-four position in the Group 3 rugby league competition on Saturday.
The Sharks went into the half-time break squared up with Taree City at 22-all, but outplayed the visitors in the second stanza to win 36-32.
The win against the Bulls gave the Sharks a three-point buffer over rivals Port City, who lost to Old Bar Beach.
With one round remaining, the top four is locked in place, with only position shuffling possible between Old Bar Beach and Forster Tuncurry, which are second and third respectively on 33 points.
Despite beating the Bulls, the Sharks have a lot to work on if they are to put up a fight in the finals.
Ill-discipline proved costly at times as a number of Port Macquarie players were sent to the sin bin on Saturday.
It took some gloss off the victory.
Try scorers for the Sharks were Sam Wara, who scored a double, Joel Asher, Harley Gore, Ed Tighe, Kurt Moloney and Tyrone Nelson.
Ethan McKenna made four conversions.
At Old Bar Beach, the Breakers were unable to keep their season alive, despite a try-scoring double from Tamati Wigman.
Luke Ackroyd scored a try and booted five goals, while Mitch Fowler and Connor Cheeseman also crossed the line.
The Breakers’ season is now over as the club has a bye next week.
The Sharks will get an early taste of finals football when they travel to take on ladder-leaders Wauchope, who will be fresh from a bye.
In the other matches, Taree City hosts Forster Tuncurry and Old Bar Beach travels to Wingham.
