A PENALTY goal kicked five minutes before fulltime by centre Bruwyn Tisdell gave the Manning Ratz a hard earned 17-15 win over Wallamba in the Lower North Coast Rugby Union clash at Taree Rugby Park.
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This books the Ratz a spot in the major semi-final against undefeated Forster-Tuncurry at Tuncurry on August 10.
The Ratz had to work overtime to secure the points. Due to injuries and unavailability the Ratz only had 16 players for the match, played on a warm day in front of a raucous crowd, bolstered by the club's annual Old Boys day.
The Ratz started strongly and opened an early lead, however, the Bulls got into the grind and worked their way back into the contest. When Wallamba hit the lead at 15-14 momentum looked to be swinging their way until the Ratz earned the penalty.
Second rower Dave Rees had a strong game in the heavy going for the Ratz while centres Tisdell and Ricky Campbell were dangerous in attack.
Wallamba won the women's 10s game 24-17.
The Ratz will play Wauchope Thunder on Saturday at Taree, the men's side's last game of the competition-proper. Manning's women's 10s side has a tough end to the season, with games against the table topping Wauchope before finishing with defending premiers Gloucester.
