Bellingen Bulldogs are through to their first ever preliminary finals in both Under 11 and Under 13, while Grafton Tigers have achieved the same feat in the Under 15.5 competition.

Each of the five clubs that took part in the semi-finals have managed to get at least one team through to the latter stages of the competition, meaning that there’s still plenty of interest right across the coast. Add to this a series of close results and a major surprise in the semis and it’s all still to play for.

In the Under 11 battle of third against fourth, Coffs Breakers were outstanding to record their first win of the season against a fast finishing Sawtell Toormina Saints side. Breakers looked to have the game in the bag at three-quarter time but the Saints lifted in the last quarter to close the gap but weren’t able to record the win that would keep their season alive.

The match between Port Macquarie Magpies’ unbeaten Under 11 side and their Bellingen Bulldogs counterparts was an intriguing clash with a spot in the grand final on the line. Bellingen led early before Port hit their stride and powered to the front. On numerous occasions throughout the match Port looked as if they were going to blow the game wide open but Bellingen responded each time and were always in the game. Port maintained their composure well against the Bellingen fightbacks and were able to keep their noses in front right through to the final siren.

Preliminary finals, Sunday, August 28:

Under 11: Bellingen Bulldogs v Coffs Breakers, Richardson Park, Sawtell, 9.30am

Under 13: Sawtell Toormina Saints v Bellingen Bulldogs, Richardson Park, Sawtell, 10.45am

Under 15.5: Port Macquarie Magpies v Grafton Tigers, Wayne Richards Park, Port Macquarie, 12.15pm.