HASTINGS Valley Vikings found another gear when it mattered most to overcome a brave Port Macquarie Pirates in a pulsating Mid North Coast rugby grand final on Saturday.

Vikings triumphed 28-24 at Oxley Oval in the biggest rugby test they've had all year. They powered home in the second half, but in the first it looked like the occasion had got to the host team.

Jeremy Segol, Josh Hyde, Robbie Glen and Ben Pursell scored tries in a fantastic second 40 for the Vikings.

Pirates almost snatched it at the death, with a couple of plays in extra time, but Vikings' defence held strong.

Bledden Gant, Nic Webb, Korie Paio and Jacob Law scored tries for the Pirates.

The red men fought hard for a 7-0 lead at the break thanks to Bledden Gant's try in the early stages of play.

Gant scored on the back of Vikings knocking on from the kick off. Chris Young added the extras.

Pirates had the chance to go further ahead but a Young penalty attempt was waved away.

Meanwhile, Vikings came close on a couple of occasions. One effort was held up and the team also knocked on over the line.

Andrew Kable's men didn't score their first try until the second half, but it gave them the lead.

Waylen Skipps had kicked penalty to take the score to 7-3, before Big Segol busted through the Pirates' line.

He fended them off on his way to the stripe.

A couple of quick Pirates tries busted the game right open. Nic Webb and Korie Paio found the line and it was starting to look as if the Pirates would be the first team to knock off the Vikings in 2015.

Paio's try came on the back of some good work from big Matt Mane. Mane made a great run after a Vikings knock on.

When Young booted the goal, Pirates were up 19-18.

Vikings dominated the next 10 minutes, with tries to Hyde, Glen and Pursell tipping the balance back in their favour.

Law's try ensured a Pirate fight to the death, but they just couldn't get to the line in extra time.