The Magpies, playing with a full bench for the first time in weeks, controlled the match from the opening whistle and held a handy 20-12 lead at half time. The forward pack lead by some experienced players - Kurt Langdon and Cain Roby - were strong on the edges. Cooper Pitt and Liam Power were strong in the middle. The back line worked hard off some strong forward power. Rob Chaffey scored two tries. Flying winger Max Goodwin ran the length of the field to celebrate his 18^th birthday with a fine solo effort.

The Ravens went down to Kotara 26-8 and are at home to Aberglasslyn on Saturday at 2pm followed by the men who play Gloucester.

NELSON Bay Rugby Union Club hosted the undefeated competition leaders Merewether- Carlton last Saturday. The Gropers went into the game with a depleted line up and were outplayed by the slick green machine, going down 55-7.

The Bay trailed 22-0 at half time with defensive lapses proving costly. The Gropers struggled to contain Merewether. Players' player was hard working breakaway Jordon Byfield. Michael Hotene had a strong game in the centre while rookie winger Flynn Simpson had a good game on debut. Flynn replaced the leading try scorer Emmerson Burgess who was injured in an inter service game last week.

The Gropers had a strong win in second grade, as did the Medowie Marauders in third. Second grade was bolstered with two new recruits: Brandon Suttie and Liam Fuller from the rugby league ranks.

FINGAL Bay Rugby League Club's ladies league tag team had a strong won over Hamilton on the weekend, 44-0. Fingal produced a faultless first half with a perfect completion rate and raced to a 22-0 lead at half time. In the second half they maintained their momentum to finish the day with nine tries and four goals with Hannah Robinson and Tash Harris both scoring doubles. Players' player was Rachael Bool who made some powerful inroads with some determined running and was solid in defence.

Fingal have the June long weekend off.

NELSON Bay Golf Club's team remain in the hunt for a section win in the NSW Golf Association Master Pennant series.

The Bay club hosted the Gosford golf club's master pennant team and in a day when all the planets aligned, Nelson Bay were too strong with a 8-0 win over the Central Coast club. Winners for the Bay were Scott Quinn, Rod Barker, Cliff Fallon, Stuart Phegan, David Hogan, Craig Mackenzie, Tony Short and Michael Sproule.

Nelson Bay now go into a two match series with the strong Maitland club on home and away fixtures.