This meant that the undefeated Wingham Tigers played the 2015 Premiers, the Port Macquarie Sharks.

Both teams were below full strength, with the representative fixture between Group 3 and Group 2 (won 36-34 by Group 3) having been played earlier in the day at Jack Neal Oval at Taree.

Captain coach Kurt Lewis, along with Tim Bridge and Mitch Collins all backed up to play for the Tigers.

But it was the defending premiers who began well, with a try on the board before Wingham had the ball.

But in the fifth minute, Mitch Collins split the defence and ran 50 metres to score.

Michael Bailey added the extra points for a 6-4 lead.

On the next set, Kurt Lewis scored after a long break by Tim Bridge.

With the conversion by Michael Bailey, Wingham led 12-4.

Four minutes later, Aaron Bakewell scored in the corner to extend the advantage to 16-4.

Just before half time, the Sharks scored beside the posts making the score 16-10 at the break.

The second half was dominated by defence.

With ten minutes remaining, the Tigers played a set move kicking from the scrum deep inside their own territory.

Michael Bailey raced through and regathered the ball 30 metres out from Port Macquarie's goal line, only to be ruled off-side.

Then three minutes later, the Tigers looked to have scored in the corner, only to have the last pass ruled forward.

But Kurt Lewis wrapped up the game with a try beside the posts with five minutes remaining.

Michael Bailey's kick made the final score 22-10.

(Kurt Lewis 2, Mitch Collins, Aaron Bakewell tries, Michael Bailey 3 goals)

On Sunday, the Wingham Tigers travel to Harry Elliot Oval at Tuncurry to play the Forster Tuncurry Hawks.

League Tag starts at 11.30am, followed by Under 18s and reserve grade, with first grade kicking off at 3pm.