PORT Macquarie Pirates came away winners in all four grades in the Round 11 clash of Mid North Coast Rugby against Kempsey.
The Cannonballs went scoreless in the first three games, but saved their best performance for first grade, testing the visitors for the 80 minutes.
The home side led 28-22 midway through the second half, only to see Lachie Bassett bulldoze over the line to edge the Pirates in front.
A late penalty, kicked by Aaron Robinson, gave the Pirates a 32-28 victory.
It was a see- sawing match, with the Pirates jumping to a 12-0 lead in the first 15 minutes with tries to Mark Harris and Ryan Owens.
Kempsey hit back with two converted tries in four minutes, giving them a 14-12 advantage.
The home team then extended its lead with a penalty goal.
Speedy Pirates winger Jordan Gleeson leveled the scores at 17 apiece with an unconverted try.
Kempsey went to half time with a 20-17 lead after another penalty goal.
Pirates coach Marc Minor encouraged his charges to keep working hard in the second half.
His prediction that the team would be rusty after two successive byes was proving correct.
Minor also asked his team to concentrate on ball security around the ruck.
John Talamavio was first on the scoreboard with a try in the 53rd minute.
Chris Young, who was standing in for regular kicker Sam McNeill, was unable to add the extras. This had the Pirates back in the lead by two points.
Kempsey jumped away again with an unconverted try and a penalty goal.
However, the Pirates continued to fight for the lead and snatched a narrow four-point win.
Best for Port Macquarie were Jonnie Hoy, Jacob Law, Lachie Bassett and Ryan Owens.
The Pirates dominated reserve grade, winning 19-0. Tries were scored by Josh Green, Sam Atkinson and Geff Keighley. Aaron Robinson added two conversions.
The Port Macquarie under-18s had a runaway victory over the Cannonballs, winning 48-0.
Kane Halliwell scored three tries for the Pirates. He was ably supported by Tim Williams, Dan Betzsis and Ryan Kenny-Wilson.
The under-16s hit the field running in their match and they did not ease up until the final whistle.
They ran in 81 unanswered points in a powerhouse display that augers well for the Port Macquarie Rugby Club’s future.
Case Bessling, following in his fathers footsteps, was the standout, though the whole team performed at a high level.
Also mentioned in the best and fairest points were Dane Newcombe, Wyatt Carman and Tully Mayo.
SCORES
First grade: Port Macquarie 32 d Kempsey 28, Coffs Harbour 21 d Southern Cross University 6.
Reserve grade: Port Macquarie 19 d Kempsey 0, Hastings Valley 31 d Bowraville 28, Coffs Harbour 26 d Southern Cross University 8.
