HASTINGS Valley Vikings will play for the minor premiership this Saturday when they host Coffs Harbour at Oxley Oval.
With two rounds remaining in the Upper Mid North Coast Rugby competition, the top-of-the-table clash will not only determine the minor premier, but also the premiership favourite.
It shapes as a gripping contest as both teams go into the match in top form.
The Vikings dispatched Kempsey 43-14 on Saturday, while Coffs Harbour toppled Port Macquarie in a thriller.
The visiting Pirates side was beaten on the bell by the second-placed Snappers.
Coffs Harbour were first on the board with a try in the ninth minute after sustained pressure on the Pirates’ defence.
With the conversion, the home team had a 7-0 advantage until the 20th minute when the Pirates leveled the score with a bustling Adam Greenaway try that was set up by Korie Paio.
Paio was the stand-out for the Pirates, earning the players’ player award and three points in the best-and-fairest.
Scores were tied up at 10 apiece at half-time, but the Pirates quickly hit the front after Paio burst through players after the restart to score.
Mark Harris gave the Pirates a 20-13 buffer at one stage, but Coffs Harbour continued to push forward.
The Snappers leveled the scores with 20 minutes to play and a try in the dying seconds stole victory from the visitors.
Best for the Pirates were Paio, James Coolican and Tim Sales.
The match was marred by a serious shoulder injury to Jordan Gleeson, which may end his season.
The Pirates will back up with a home match against Southern Cross University at Stuart Park on Saturday.
