The Macleay Valley Mustangs were handed another tough loss on Saturday, succumbing to the Port Macquarie Sharks 76-6 on home soil in the first grade competition.
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The Mustangs fielded a full strength side but were outclassed by a superior opponent.
“The side was outplayed, the Sharks were a clinical side and were too good across the park,” Mustangs president Tim Moorehead told the Argus.
The Mustangs’ Ladies League Tag side earned their second victory of the season in a tight 8-4 battle with the Sharks.
“It was a really good performance from both teams. They completed their sets at a high rate and played a competitive game,” Moorehead said.
The Mustangs captailised on an attacking position before the break as Chloe Saunders and Nikki Green crossed for tries.
Their momentum continued into the second half but they weren’t able to make it count on the scoreboard.
The Sharks crossed against the run of play with 10-minutes remaining to set up a grand stand finish but the Mustangs were up to the challenge.
“They put a lot of pressure on the girls but they were able to stand strong and hold on for the important win,” Moorehead said.
Meanwhile the Mustangs’ Under-18.5s side came agonisingly close to handing the Sharks their first loss of the season.
The Sharks, the competition leaders, earned a 24-16 win but the contest went down to the wire.
The Mustangs were on the attack with the score at 18-16, however, the a mistake gifted the Sharks the victory.
Macleay Valley remains in fourth spot on the ladder.
The Kempsey Dragons also played at Verge St Oval on Saturday and Moorehead said it was great to see them in action.
“When we arrived the place was crowded with supports for the junior games and they stuck around for the senior matches too,” Moorehead said.
“It was a positive day for the club and the community.”
The Mustangs head to Forster this Sunday for a clash with the Hawks.
The contest is arguably the Mustangs’ best opportunity to earn their first win of the season as the Hawks sit in second last place on the ladder.
The Hawks’ only victory came in a 34-26 victory against the Mustangs earlier this year.
It will be an important match for the Under-18.5s as they face the Hawks, who sit in third position on the ladder.
The Ladies’ season will be on the in their match.
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