NELSON Bay Blues have all but dashed any hope of securing a semi-finals spot after succumbing to a 44-24 loss to third ranked Central Charlestown at the weekend.
The Blues must now win their next two matches and fifth ranked Wests need to lose one game if they are any chance at a finals position.
The Blues ran into some slick competition against Central at St John Oval on Sunday.
The Blues trailed 28-6 at half-time after losing centre James Slater with a bad head cut and it wasn't long before the score-line blew out to 38-6 in Central's favour.
The Blues stormed home late with a try and three conversions by Dane Queenan, with further tries to Jamie Clarke and Ben Holden narrowing the margin to 38-24.
The Blues tough front rower Simon Osborne gave his all, while captain James McCabe was non-stop in both attack and defence.
After the game coach Robert Relf said he still believed his team was a chance for the finals and would be urging the boys to lift against Kurri at Tomaree on Sunday.
Kick off is at 3pm.
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