Since Mid North Coast rugby came to life again in the Great Lakes region in 2004, Manning River have yet to win a Kennards Hire premiership, but this year, coached by the club's former splendid back, Mitch Carter, and captained by the inspirational No 8 Sam Hartnett, the Ratz have emerged as a genuine force.

With forwards such as Dave and Steve Rees and Scott Howard in their pack, they are fielding a scrum as hefty and tough as any in the competition behind which is a back line of experience in five-eighth Jake Maurirere and speedster Luke Bartlett, spiced with young, enterprising backs in half Bayley Weaver and centres Luke Couch and Bruwyn Tisdell.

The will-to-win - and, correspondingly, the determination not to lose - that the Ratz produced to draw 25-all with the Dolphins last month was an indication of the spirit within the club.

The MNC Zone executive director, Bob Wilson, went out of his way to praise Manning River yesterday, declaring the club's performances had been exemplary this season.

Related:

"Their president, Jim Boyce, is overseas in Wales at present, but the club's vice-president, James Farrawell, has stood in conspicuously well in his absence," Mr Wilson said.

"Manning River are doing everything right. Their team is playing well, their ground is right, their club is right. They are club-of-the-year so far."

With only the first round completed last weekend and two rounds remaining, it would be premature to declare any side a certainty for the title, but, led by Ellie Johnston, Wauchope Thunder's women are presenting an impressive argument for that eventuation.

The Forster Tuncurry Dolphins men's team hosted the Thunder last weekend and while finishing decisive winners, 48-0, they were full of admiration for their rivals' strong scrum and physical performance.

Wauchope men's heavy defeat came as shock to their system and the Wallamba Bulls could be the sufferers in Wauchope for that painful setback tomorrow.

At least after the afternoon's duels, the Bulls will enjoy the Thunder's ceremonial tradition of a circle of male and female players singing a chant and, piece by piece, divesting themselves of clothing, down to their nickers.

Sadly without a men's team this year, the Gloucester Cockies club will be represented by their women's team at Peter Barclay Field in Tuncurry, meeting Forster Tuncurry club's Dolphinettes, gradually regaining numbers after a decimating injury toll.