As a result, the red, white and blue side will now take on local rivals, the Macksville Sea Eagles, in the minor semi final elimination round on Saturday at Frank McGuren Field, Grafton.

Coach Jason Sheppard said a couple of things could have gone better for the side on Saturday, but won’t dwell on what can’t be changed.

“We started off really well,” he said. “But the refereeing was very poor, especially on high tackles. We had our halfback knocked out, no penalty. Then our hooker knocked out – minor head injury, no penalty.

“It was just unbelievable the game. No refereeing there at all – it was a first grade ref too which is what upset me, he made it obvious that he didn’t want to be there.

“I mean, we scored first, but then I don’t know whether the boys just got sick of the head highs or got a bit intimidated.”

Despite the result, Jason said he was impressed by their attitude change towards the end.

“In the last 15 minutes we came back, dominated and scored a few tries,” Jason said.

“That’s what impressed me, that at least they finished it off. They could have just chucked their hands in the air and given up, but the boys hung in there.

“Now we’ve got Macksville … back to good old Grafton.

“I think if we stick to our game plan and keep our game clean ... I know they’re already talking about Macksville, because there’s always that rivalry between the two clubs.

“But if we keep our heads on – whoever concentrates on the game, they’ll end up winning I reckon.”

When it comes to local derbies, there has always been a ‘rivalry’ between the cross-river towns, and the two sides’ track record this year has seen a 50/50 split.

“They beat us by two in the first round and the second we only beat them by four, but hopefully we go out and start strong and finish the 60 minutes,” under 18s fullback Willy Baker told the Guardian.

“Our defence was spot on in the first part of the game against Grafton, we need to replicate that this weekend.

“Our lack of fitness has been a problem this year, and lasting the whole 60 minutes. So we need to focus on the game ahead, and not worry about the ref as much, stay positive with each other and communicate.

“When it comes to Macksville, we always have the confidence when we go out on the field, but they are going to be a very competitive side, we never take the Eagles games easy.

“We had some solid support in the game against Grafton – even though the first grade competition is over the older boys all made the effort to get to Grafton and help us out which was pretty impressive … hopefully we have a similar turn out and support this weekend.”