THE Hastings Valley Vikings are the first team into the Mid North Coast Rugby grand final after a thrilling last minute victory over Port Macquarie in the major semi-final.
The Vikings took the honours 28-24.
The Pirates were first on the board with a Jacob Law try that was easily converted by Chris Young, who has taken the kicking duties from Sam McNeil.
The Vikings responded in the 17th minute with their own converted try to level the scores.
Tim Farnsworth ploughed over in the corner for the Pirates in the the 22nd minute after good lead-up work by Korie Paio and Ryan Owens.
Both teams tested the resolve of their opponents with some fine attacking and resolute defence.
The Pirates gained an advantage right on the half-time bell with a Paio try under the posts which proved no difficulty for Young with the conversion attempt.
That gave Port Macquarie a handy 19-7 lead.
The Vikings, on home turf in front of a big crowd at Oxley Oval, were not to be outdone in this game and responded with two converted tries in the first 20 minutes of the second half to snatch the lead.
The game ebbed and flowed between the two teams until the 38th minute when, after several attempts to break the Vikings line, the ball was swung to the backline and found Adam Greenaway in full flight.
Greenaway crossed in the corner. The conversion failed however the Pirates had a 24-21 lead.
As in all games between these two top teams in the competition the game was not over until the final whistle.
After several penalties against the Pirates, play moved to within striking distance for the Vikings and, with the game well into injury time, the home side crossed for the winning try which was subsequently, giving the Vikings a 28-24 victory to catapult the Vikings into the grand final on 14 September.
The Pirates have the task of playing Coffs Rugby Snappers this Saturday at Stuart Park in the elimination final to decide the Vikings’ opponent.
