IN A rugby league career that has spanned 44 years, Nelson Bay policeman Simon Chappell, aged 54, was given a massive send off in his final NHRL game on Saturday. He even scored the winning try for Stroud Raiders in their 30-24 victory over Dungog.
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A stellar career that started in the Manly's junior district with Beacon Hill Bears, Chappo played 168 games for Manly before travelling overseas and playing three seasons in England with Halifax and Runcorn.
On return to Australia, he played rugby league with Wentwortville, three central coast clubs (Ourimbah, Umina and Woy Woy) before moving to Nelson Bay where he played with the Blues, Port Stephens Sharks and Fingal Bay Bomboras.
In this wonderful time playing the sport he loved, he was selected in the Australian police team to tour Argentina. Chappo's last six years have been with the Stroud club. He will be still giving back to the game by continuing to coach the Raiders' ladies league tag team.
RAYMOND Terrace Magpies men's team once again gave away too much in the start of their game with Swansea on Saturday.
The side trailed 18-0 at half time. The second half revival went oh so close with the Magpies losing by a penalty goal on the bell 24-22.
The Terrace's defensive lapses proved costly as Swansea kicked clear to hold a comfortable lead at the break. The hard working forward pack was lead by joint players' players, tough front rower John Schultz, and backrower tackling tyro Daine Walker.
Busy hooker Daniel Evans lead the charge in the second half to almost snatch a victory.
The Terrace have their semi final hopes in their own hands when they host the Morisset Bulls in the final game of the regular season on Saturday.
A win will see the Magpies into the semis. In front of a home crowd, it would be a pleasing result.
FINGAL Bay's ladies league tag team secured their semi final place and a second place finish on the ladder when they came from behind to win against Stroud Raiders 16-12 on Saturday.
The Raiders raced to a 6-0 lead before the Bomboras regained the momentum to grab at 10-6 lead at half time. Try scorers for Fingal was players' player Gorgia Relf, Hannah Robinson and Nicole Bennett.
Sharp shooter Marnie Parfitt kicked two from three conversions. Fingal are hopeful that strike player Vic Hawthorn will play in their final competition game away against Greta-Branxton this Saturday.
The Bomboras men's team were forced to forfeit against Northlakes due to a massive injury toll but remain confident they can field a team against the Glendale Gorillas away on Saturday.
MALLABULA'S men's team suffered another close loss to Waratah-Mayfield on Saturday but coach Cameron Scully was happy with the Bula boys' effort and commitment against the competition leaders.
It was a narrow 34-26 defeat with the Panthers conceding a late Tah's try. In a tight struggle from the opening whistle, the Panthers were behind 18-16 at halftime.
The selection for players' player was also close with Blake Jennings and half back Evander Waitoa sharing the honour. Classy hooker Mick Daniels had a fine game. The Panthers need a win over Dudley in their final game on Saturday to secure a top four finish.
The ladies league tag team were gallant in their narrow 24-22 defeat at the hands of ladder leaders Shortland. Players' player went to Emma Rimmer. Tiara Dixion and Beth Daniels were in good form.
The Pantherettes also need a win against Dudley on the weekend to progress into the finals.
