THE Grafton Ghosts hosted the Nambucca Roosters on Saturday in what proved to be a thrilling day of rugby league action.
Both first grade sides came out strong as they continued to find their rhythm on the road to the 2026 Group 2 Premiership Finals.
Grafton entered the match looking to rebound from a convincing Round 2 loss to the Sawtell Panthers.
The Roosters were aiming to build momentum after a solid showing against South Grafton and a round 1 loss to the Panthers.
The visitors looked threatening early, but a crucial error close to the line shifted momentum to the home side.
A line break from Cooper Woods saw the Ghosts surge forward before Roosters defenders scrambled to shut the play down just 20 metres from the line.
It took 16 minutes of hard-fought football before the first points were posted, with Khan Jarrett crossing near the posts and Dwayne Roberts-Jarrett converting.
The Roosters struck again fifteen minutes later, with Anthony Cowen scoring after a Grafton player was sent to the sin bin for a professional foul.
Roberts-Jarrett again added the extras, giving Nambucca a 12-0 lead.
The Roosters defence held firm under pressure late in the half, but Grafton struck back with just a minute remaining.
Harry Kirk produced a strong tackle-breaking effort to score, with Woods adding the conversion to reduce the margin to 12-6 at the break.
The second half opened with both sides tightening up, focusing on improving areas exposed in the first stanza.
For the Ghosts, urgency in attack was key, while the Roosters looked to address discipline issues.
Both teams created opportunities but were repeatedly undone by handling errors under pressure.
With 20 minutes remaining, an injury stoppage gave both sides a brief reprieve before the intensity lifted again.
A large and vocal crowd, including a strong travelling Roosters contingent, sensed the game was finely balanced with just a converted try separating the teams.
Inside the final 10 minutes, Grafton’s Jay Olsen crossed from a scrum in good field position, but the missed conversion left the Roosters clinging to a narrow two-point lead.
Moments later, the home side struck decisively.
Jake Martin broke through on the right edge and powered over, circling under the posts for a crucial try.
Woods converted to give Grafton the lead for the first time in the match, leaving the Roosters with little time to respond.
The closing minutes were tense and chaotic, featuring a flurry of penalties, player frustration, and stoppages.
When the final whistle sounded, the Ghosts emerged victorious 16-12, while the Roosters were left to ponder what almost was.
The Roosters have a bye in Round 4 and the Ghosts will travel to Woolgoolga.
The under 18s clash earlier in the day delivered another highlight, with both sides showcasing the depth of emerging talent in a hard-fought 20-20 draw.
The women’s tackle match was played with intensity, with Grafton proving too strong for last year’s premiers to secure a 12-0 win.
The reserve grade contest provided plenty of excitement, with the Roosters building on their recent form to claim a narrow 16-14 victory.
The Roosters have a bye in Round 4 and the Ghosts will travel to Woolgoolga.
By Mick BIRTLES
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