The Bellingen Dorrigo Magpies fronted up for a must win game against the Lower Macleay Magpies at the Graveyard on Saturday. Win and possibly make the playoffs for the first time, if other results went their way. Once again, the local Magpies showed their never give up attitude and came away with the win in the last few minutes.
Strong defence from both teams was a feature of the first ten minutes before Zac Young crossed to have the locals up 4/0. Lower Macleay were quick to reply with two converted tries to take the lead 12/6. Late in the half Bellingen Magpie Brad Powell crashed through the ruck close to the posts to score. Seth Martin converted and Bellingen trailed 12/10. A dropped ball right on halftime led to another Lower Macleay try. The conversion took them out to an 18/10 lead.
Another Magpie error straight after half time had Lower Macleay in for another converted try, to make the lead 24/10. With the hard game starting to catch up with the opposition , Bellingen ‘s fightback soon began. Corey Cross scoring after some slick passing 24 / 14. Lower Macleay then seemed to have the game won scoring another try to lead 30 /10 at the halfway mark. Things then really came together for the locals with Seth Martin scoring a converted try 30 / 20 and from the kick off Corey Cross scoring his second try 30/26 to bring the locals closer. Ryan Miller then had the locals in the crowd roaring as he crossed for his try, the conversion missing , leaving the scores locked up at 30 all. In the last minute of the game a slick backline movement had Lachie French scoring for Bellingen to have them winning 34/30.
Unfortunately, the news came through that Laurieton had won their game and this meant that the season was over for Bellingen. Well done boys!