In what appeared a preview to next month's Lower Mid North Coast rugby union grand final, the Manning River Ratz twice led the Forster Dolphins on Saturday before succumbing after a gruelling, engrossing affair, three tries to five and 19-33.

The Dolphins are unbeaten after 12 rounds of the Kennards Hire premiership, Mark Hagarty's back line profiting from the work of their big men up front, from hooker Gavin Maberly-Smith's initial strike against the head to the rampaging runs of No 8, Si-vauniaku Honemau and all-round skills of flanker Sean Hassett

It is doubtful if the Dolphins have fielded a more accomplished, all-round team than this since Bruce Greensill breathed new life into the club in 2003-4 with six premierships stemming from the presidency terms of Stephen Bromhead and Damian Daczko.

A title is still a long way off, and it required a bruising afternoon's rugby at Peter Barclay Field, Tuncurry, before the Dolphins celebrated success against Sam Hartnett's fine side.

It was no shock when Hartnett, the Ratz industrious No 8, drove over for the first try after 18 minutes whereupon rival forward Hassett swept on a loose ball and outpaced the cover defence from beyond half-way for a fine solo try.

In the variable wind, five-eighth Matt Nuku drove over the equalising goal only for the Ratz splendid young centre, Bruwyn Tisdell, to break tackles in a burst along the right flank before linking with halfback Bayley Weaver to regain the lead.

If flanker Hassett was not winning lineouts, the flanker was making inroads with his attacking forays and, fittingly, he notched a second try

The Ratz Mitch Carter was exceptional at five-eighth and coupled with Ricky Campbell's long kicking from midfield, the visitors kept the Dolphins at bay for long periods with their wide, sweeping back line movements.

Winger Luke Bartlett dashed away downfield and appeared certain to score only to be run down near the line by Hagarty and Nuku for the teams to be locked at 14-14 at half-time.

Referee Greg Boyer was the ideal official for the hard game anticipated and distributed two yellow cards following a forward melee, leading one culprit to remark: "First time I've had a break in three years."

Honemau's punishing charges continued taking their toll and the big Tongan seized the lead with yet another ferocious run, his try followed by skipper Hagarty's defence-splintering pace for the 28-14 lead.

Halfback Tom Harris' quick-wittedness and footwork led to his tap and run try and though the gallant Carter finished with a try, his team's second half lacked the ball possession to threaten the Dolphins. But the warning was clear. The Ratz are a good side and they are just warming up.

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The women's 10-a-side fixture was abandoned at half-time with the Ratz declared the winners, 20-0, after the Dolphinettes' Daniella Crowther sustained a neck injury in a tackle. Later, sore but not seriously injured, she was discharged from hospital.

The Ratz had splendid service from two-try winner, Natika Ridgeway, and, for the fourth game in succession, the Dolphinettes' player of the match was Chloe Foley with skipper Savannah Clements again an inspirational performer.

Manning River's president, Jim Boyce, made the day complete, paying tribute to the Dolphins' late Phil Guiney, the marvellous Irish-Australian rugby man, who lit up a clubhouse with his good natured smile.

At Wauchope, the Thunder performed well against Old Bar, their men winning 57-5 and their powerful women's team overcoming the Clams, 50-0. At Nabiac, Gloucester women defeated Wallamba, 29-17.