THE Group Three Rugby League under 18 grand final will be an all-Manning affair on Sunday when defending premiers Old Bar tackle Wingham at the Wingham Sporting Complex.
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This follows Wingham's win over Macleay and Old Bar's defeat of minor premiers Macksville in the elimination matches at Port Macquarie.
Old Bar will be playing in a third successive under 18 grand final. The Pirates lost to Port Sharks at Port Macquarie in 2018 and defeated Macleay Valley at Wauchope last year.
However, they did it the hard way this season, finishing fourth after the nine round competition-proper, meaning they had to meet the unbeaten Macksville in the grand final qualifier.
Old Bar led 20-12 at one point in the second half, however, Macksville scored back-to-back tries to hit the lead at 22-20 with seven minutes remaining.
The Pirates responded when back rower Drey Mercy split the line and sent centre Charlie Martin scurrying across for the match winner.
"They have the ability to hang tough,'' coach Lee Hoawerth said.
"It was a huge effort.''
However, Hoawerth admits he had concerns when his side fell behind by the two points but paid tribute to the team's tenacity. Hoawerth was reluctant to single any one player out for mention.
"It was a team effort,'' the coach said.
He's expecting another tight encounter in the grand final against the Tigers.
"It's good for this area though, having two southern sides involved,'' Hoaweth added.
Old Bar and Wingham met in the opening round of the season when the game ended in an 18-18 draw.
Taree Panthers and Port City will meet in the under 16 grand final, also to be played at Wingham on Sunday. These sides played in the under 15 grand final last season, won by Taree.
Panthers defeated Nambucca 28-16 in the elimination semi-final at Port Macquarie while the Breakers accounted for Kempsey 34-6.
