RAYMOND Terrace Rugby League Club moved one step away from a grand final appearance when they defeated Thornton-Beresfield 30-8 last Saturday.

The Magpies play minor premiers Waratah in the qualifying final this Saturday at Lakeside, kick-off at 10am.

The Terrace led 24-8 at half-time after their forward pack gained the hard yards up the middle.

Prop Nathan Ward was a worthy players' player.

Back receiver Adam Jenkinson created havoc on the edges, scoring two tries while fullback Billy Greentree was a constant.

Under-17 in final

NELSON Bay AFL Club has its under-17 team in the grand final.

They play Singleton on Sunday at No 1 Sportsground, Newcastle.

Unfortunately the under-15s ran into the minor premiers Muswellbrook on a wet field last weekend and went down in the preliminary final.

The Marlins showed plenty of commitment. Down by 23 points in the final quarter, the Marlins charged back into the contest and kicked three goals to narrow the margin to five points before the minor premiers kicked two late goals.

Full-forward Jake Russell had a fine game.

In the midfield Luke Rymer and Hugh Blanchfield were great with fullback Isaac Haynes having a busy game.

It was a good team effort with two strike players unavailable with injury.

Bowling for charity

THE Men of League annual charity bowls day will be hosted by Nelson Bay Bowling Club on Sunday, September 28.

The day encourages players to wear their favourite footy team colours and play value-for-money bowls at just $20.

Plenty of good prizes are up for grabs and a baked dinner is also served.

Bill Gainsford and Richard Girvan from the club are expecting a capacity field.

Newcastle-Hunter Men of League treasurer Chris Kelly has several guest speakers for the day, including Ian Heads.

Heads has written 13 books and will profile his latest epic, The Night the Music Died, on the day.

Johnny King will be a special guest on the day.

Mallabula outplayed

MALLABULA Rugby League Club have a week to turn around dismal form after they were outplayed by Tea Gardens last Saturday.

The Panthers struggled to complete their sets and gifted Tea Gardens too much ball.

After trailing 18-6 at half-time, they crashed to a 28-6 defeat.

In a beaten team, five-eight Troy Hicks was the players' player with a non-stop performance.

Back-rower Stuart King was the pick of the forwards while fullback Sam Folbigg had a strong game.

The Panthers play a sudden death semi-final against the Cessnock Cutters at Lakeside Oval on Saturday.