The Kendall Blues travelled to Lank Bain Stadium in Wauchope to take on the Lower Macleay Magpies in the preliminary semi final in the Hastings league finals series.
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The Blues also celebrated a remarkable achievement for player Robert 'Smokey' Smith who played his 100th game for the Blues.
The Magpies were first to put points on the board with Zac Mckiernan crossing twice in the first 15 minutes.
Bo Wilson converted both tries.
It was the Blues’ mission to take control of the game back.
And that they did with centre Ken Young crossing the line twice and with Alex Pearce converting both tries, the game was at 12 all.
Both teams showed strong defence for the rest of the first half with the score remaining 12-all at the half time break.
The Magpies and Blues returned to the paddock and the Blues showed the strength of their forwards yet again with Robert Smokey Smith, Anthony Conlan and Zac Hanlon running hard into the Magpies defence.
But it was Blues’ half back Dale Higgins who broke the Magpies’ defence scoring two mores tries.
Pearce converted one of the two tries taking the score to 22-12.
Brad Smith showed great attack and defence on his wing and Kurt and Jacob Cook rushed up in defence and to crush the Magpies’ attack.
The Blues were in great control of the game, but the Magpies hit again scoring and closing the Blues’ lead to four points.
Despite the narrowing margin, the Kendall Blues remained calm.
The Blues were quick to reply when Dale Higgins found himself in some space and, with some great support play from Joel Wilkes, Wilkes found his way weaving through the Magpies’ defence to cross the line to extend the Blues lead and give some breathing space, although it was short-lived.
The Magpies tried again to close the gap scoring yet another try but Ken Young and Kurt Cook showed amazing speed to fly through the Macleay defence to cross the line and sealing the win for the Blues with the final score Kendall 36 – Lower Macleay 24.
The Blues now take on the Comboyne Tigers this Sunday September 4.
Kick off is 2pm and the hope to see a big crowd there to cheer on the Blues in the finals campaign.