While the bowling club is a sponsor of the rugby league club, the Panthers did not expect a contribution this year due to the understandable financial challenges created by COVID-19.

It came as a surprise to the Panthers when club CEO Gordon Laffan said it would make a contribution. Club Lemon Tree president Kevin Coleman presented a $6000 cheque to the club at the last home game of the season on September 5.

"Participating in the 2020 season has been particularly stressful on all sporting clubs with many sponsorships withdrawn or reduced. The donation from Club Lemon Tree will ensure the Panthers' financial obligations... will be met in full now," club secretary Emma Thompson said.

"Costs associated with fielding two teams have not reduced this season, if anything it has increased, so this donation provides the club with necessary funds to finish this year financial. We are very grateful to all our sponsors and community donations we receive every year, but in particular this year, when most are feeling added financial pressures."

The Panthers teams met their matches in Aberglasslyn (44-38) and Dungog (30-10) on Saturday.

In their third consecutive loss, the Panthers men's team gifted the Ants too much ball. A poor completion rate and sloppy defence saw the Bula boys trail 36-6 at half time.

While the Panthers ran in five tries in the last quarter, two coming from captain Hayden Thompson, it was not enough to come back for a win.

Players' player was fullback Koby Martin. Forwards Bo Earl, Connor O'Neill and Owen Daniels finished strongly.

The Bula boys have a tough game against Waratah-Mayfield on Friday night.

Kiara Dixon was players' player for the ladies. Captain Beth Daniels and Kristen McMahon had strong games.

The ladies play Shortland away this weekend.

FINGAL Bay Rugby League Club had mixed results on Saturday but both teams will make the semi finals at the business end of the season.

A six-game winning streak came to an end for the Fingal Bay ladies tag team against University. The Bomboras looked lackluster in attack and went down 14-6. However, the side is still second on the table. Jordie Bennett scored the Fingal try. Brie Napoli was the players' player.

The side is away to the strong Stroud Raiders on Saturday.

The Bomboras men looked down and out at half time in Saturday's game. University capitalised on some Fingal defensive lapses to lead 24-12 at halftime.

Fingal lost key players Jake Redman and Jake Bennett but showed plenty of character to stay in the game. Nathan Dover crossed for a try in the final minute to snatch victory 32-30.

Fingal travel to Doyalson to play Northlakes on Saturday.

RAYMOND Terrace Rugby League Club were outgunned by the Hamilton Ducks on Saturday 38-6.

The Terrace's captain-coach Brooke Roach continued his strong strike rate, crossing for his eighth try of the season.

Joint players' players were John Schultz and Rob Fletcher. Daine Walker and Will Turpin had strong games. The Magpies are set to play Swansea away this Saturday.

The Magpies ladies tackle team flew the flag for the club with a powerful 26-10 win over Maitland United. The Terrace started strongly and ran in back-to-back tries to start on the front foot. They were impressive with a fine team performance and are now in third place on the ladder.

Rebecca Roe was best on ground. Best forward was Taquiah Lukaszewicz with Robyn Draper. Brin Bradbery and Kayla Campbell also had strong games.

The Ravens ladies league tag team went down to competition heavyweights Aberglasslyn 36-4. Best in a beaten team were Maddy Marquet, Lauren Brien and Jaz Hostler. Lisa Harshman was rewarded with players' player award for her non-stop efforts.