But after a quarter of an hour, the visitors led 8-0 after two tries.

It took until the 28 minute mark until the Tigers were on the scoreboard with a try to Matt Bridge in the corner.

Five minutes from the break, Ben Welsh broke through the defence and off-loaded to Trent Green who scored under the posts. Michael Bailey added the extra points, and Wingham went into the sheds leading 10-8.

The lead was short-lived as the Hawks scored early in the second half to lead 12-10.

Another try to the visitors soon after off the last play extended their lead to eight points.

A short kick-off, saw Tim Bridge gather the ball to score. Michael Bailey added the extra points.

But Forster Tuncurry hit back immediately with another try to lead by 24-16.

Midway through the half, Matt Bridge scored from a Trent Green break. With Michael Bailey's kick, the deficit was just two points.

Minutes later, the Hawks moved further ahead with a converted try off a last tackle kick.

Inside the final ten minutes, Matt Bridge's third try, converted by Michael Bailey, made the score 30-28 with five minutes remaining.

With their season on the line, as hard as they tried, the Tigers could not add to their score, and hearts sunk as the final siren sounded.

Then came the news that last placed Old Bar Beach had beaten the Taree City Bulls by just two points, meaning that the Wingham Tigers scraped into the semi-finals in fifth place, and will play Forster Tuncurry again next weekend (Saturday) at Harry Elliot Oval at Tuncurry. 

(Matt Bridge 3, Trent Green, Tim Bridge  tries, Michael Bailey 4 goals) 

THE Reserve Grade Tigers had already qualified in third place for the finals, but were playing the fourth placed Hawks.

The visitors scored first after Wingham were penalised while in possession.

Ten minutes later, the scores were level at 6-6 after Garyn Burnes scored from a Nick Beacham grubber kick. Nick Beacham added the extra points from near the sideline.

A try to Jackson Mullen right on half time, converted by Nick Beacham, gave the Tigers a 12-6 lead at the break.

An early second half try to Forster Tuncurry levelled the scores at 12-12. 

Midway through the stanza, with Wingham attacking, a 90 metre intercept try put the Hawks ahead 18-12.

Tyler Atkins scored just minutes later, and with Nick Beacham's kick, the scores were level again.

Ten minutes from the final siren, Ben Gallagher put the Tigers ahead. The conversion by Nick Beacham made the score 24-18, which they held until full time.

Wingham now play second placed Port Macquarie Sharks at Lank Bain Complex at Wauchope on Sunday in the preliminary semi-final. 

(Garyn Burnes, Jackson Mullen, Tyler Atkins, Ben Gallagher tries, Nick Beacham 4 goals)

ALTHOUGH the Wingham Tigers Under 18s were unable to make the finals, they were looking forward to a good showing against Forster Tuncurry, and started well with a try to Fletcher Lewis, which he converted for a 6-0 lead.

But the Hawks scored three tries in the final eight minutes of the first half to lead 18-6 at the break.

Another two tries early in the second half blew the score out to 30-6, before Fletcher Lewis crossed in the corner.

Back-to-back tries by the visitors made the score 40-10.

Brock O'Sullivan then crossed for a try, before a late final try to the Hawks gave them victory by 46-14.

This is now the end of the season for the boys. Thank you to Andrew Cross and Adam Kerr for their work throughout the year.

(Fletcher Lewis 2, Brock O'Sullivan tries, Fletcher Lewis goal) 

THE Wingham Ladies' League Tag played minor premiers Forster Tuncurry, and trailed 26-0 at half time. A last second try by Natalie Watson was a good end for the season, despite losing 44-4.

(Natalie Watson try)