The Kempsey Cannonballs fought hard but were ultimately outclassed by the competition leaders the Hastings Valley Vikings in a 71-5 rout at Crescent Head on Saturday.
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The two 10-minute periods before and after half-time proved costly, as the Vikings were able to break the Cannonballs' backs with numerous tries.
Cannonballs coach Carl Thurgood knew it was a big ask of his players to contend with the benchmark of the Upper Mid North Coast Rugby Union competition.
"It was always going to be a hard game but I was proud of the boys efforts," Thurgood told the Argus.
"It was close for the first 20-minutes before they pulled away from us leading into half-time. It was a very physical and tough contest."
The Cannonballs will draw the curtain closed on a forgettable season when they travel to Coffs Harbour to tackle the Southern Cross University Marlins this Saturday.
Kempsey's only victory came against the Marlins on the road earlier this year and Thurgood is hopeful they will have a repeat effort.
"We have beaten them before and suffered a narrow loss to them at home, when they kicked a penalty goal after the siren to win so we are expecting another close game," Thurgood said.
"Luckily, we will be close to full strength and should be able to end the season on a high."
The Cannonballs' reserve grade side locked up a finals spot after they earned a four-try bonus point in a narrow defeat to the Vikings.
They have cemented their position in fourth place and will most likely take on the Port Macquarie Pirates in an elimination final in a fortnights time.
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