The South West Rocks Marlins thrashed an injury depleted Lower Macleay Magpies 74-22 at South West Rocks on Saturday.
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The match was played in good spirits, as the Marlins agreed to take the field with only 11 players as the Magpies were short on numbers.
"They have had a really difficult season and have been hit pretty hard by injuries. They only had 11 players on Saturday so we decided to drop down and only play with 11 on the field too," Marlins co-coach Sam Drew told the Argus.
"They are our rivals on the field but they are our mates off it so we were more than happy to even up the contest.
"It was a bit of a scrappy game but it was a lot of fun and everyone enjoyed it.
"We have a lot of respect for the Magpies boys who turned up and kept going and playing until the end. They scored four tries against us and props to them for giving it there all despite the year they have had."
The match was close for the opening exchanges but the Marlins soon proved superior and ran away with the contest.
Fullback Michael McPhillips scored a hat-trick while halfback Malcolm Webster crossed for four tries.
The Marlins have followed a similar trend of pulling away from their opponents in the second half for the majority of their games.
Drew isn't definitive with the reason for the marlins' improved second half performances but claims the side's skill level across the park is a contributor.
"I am not sure what it is but if I had to guess I would say it's because of our class and talent level," Drew said.
"We have proven we can put points on anyone and when we play to our strengths we believe we can beat anyone."
South West Rocks currently sit in second position on the ladder and are still in contention for the minor premiership with one round remaining.
If the Marlins claim victory over the Kendall Blues this Saturday, and the current leaders Laurieton lose on the road to the Long Flat Dragons, South West Rocks will claim top spot.
The Marlins are guaranteed to finish in the top two and will have a second chance in the finals series.
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