All four sides played home games for round 17, the second last round before finals.

In A-grade, the Fingal Bay Bomboras defeated South Newcastle 30-12 while the Mallabula Panthers went down to Shortland 52-12.

In D-grade, the Karuah Roos defeated visitors Maitland United 30-24 but the Raymond Terrace Magpies were unable to get the win over Clarence Town, going down 46-12.

This Saturday the Bomboras face Tea Gardens at Fingal Bay Oval. Kick off is 3pm.

Mallabula have the bye.

Karuah face Cardiff on Cardiff Oval from 1.30pm.

Raymond Terrace will face Maitland at McKeachies Oval from 1.30pm.

Nelson Bay confirmed their place in the Hunter Haval Black Diamond Cup semi-finals with a resounding 62-point win over Killarney Vale last Saturday.

The Marlins premier men’s team travelled to Tumbi Umbi to face Killarney Vale and returned home with a convincing 16.15 (111) to 7.7 (49) win.

They will have the home ground advantage over Newcastle City in the elimination final at Dick Burwell Oval from 2pm.

The game will be followed by the women’s preliminary final at 4.30pm.

Reigning premiers Nelson Bay will host the Gosford Tigers. The winner of the game will progress through to the grand-final.

Shoal Bay resident and former Port Stephens councillor Frank Ward has achieved one of the ultimate golf goals.

Frank has enjoyed many years of competitive golf.

Recently, he shot his age in a competition. At the age of 88, Frank shot 87 to card 41 points to win the comp.

A study in determination, he was out of the game for two years with chronic back problems. He was advised by two specialists he would not play again.

Not taking no for an answer he consulted a third doctor who, after months of treatment, was able to get Frank back on the golf course.