The Glen Innes Magpies thwarted a threat by the Moree Boars to run out winners of the A-grade clash on Sunday.
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Scores were locked at 6-all 20 minutes into the game before a flurry of points late in the half put the Magpies in front 22-14 at the break.
"It was a scrappy win," Glen Innes captain-coach Nick Say said.
"We started off well, I think we got out to a handy lead.
"They scored before half-time and then kicked a penalty goal right on half-time which gave them a bit of a leg up."
After half-time the Boars came out firing and with 10 minutes, left on the clock, they led 30-28.
Three tries to the Magpies in the dying minutes saw them edge out their opponents 46-30.
"They came out firing in the second-half, we just have to give them credit really," Say said.
"They were the better side for the first 15 to 20 minutes of the second-half.
"They got a roll on, we couldn't control them.
"We got the win, a scrappy win but we took the two points out of it I guess."
The 76-point game is typical of the A-grade competition this season with a high number of points scored with both the winning and losing teams each match.
For a total of eight A-grade matches this season, there has been an average of 76 points scored per game.
As for why defence has taken a back seat and point scoring has become so high, Say believes a lack of game time is proving to be a factor.
"You could blame the start of the year for so many points scored because of game fitness and then we had two weeks off so it was like starting all over again," he said.
"Two weeks at the start of the season is a long time when you think about it.
"It is not real good but it is the way the comp is, it is hard to get game time under your belt.
"There is only five team so you have always got a week off after two or three games."
Say's side will be hoping their defence on song when they face the Moree Boomerangs in a grand final rematch on Sunday.
"Grand final rematch is pretty hard, I think both teams are completely different from last year but it is going to be tough out there," he said.
"It doesn't matter who they have got playing or who they have got out, it is always a tough ground to play at."
Earlier in the day, the Glen Innes under 18 side's unbeaten run came to an end when they were downed 32-16 by the Boars.
The visiting side rocketed out to the 26-6 lead at half-time before the Magpies clawed their way back.
It wasn't enough though as the home side were beaten 32-16.
"Lack of ball control for Glen cost them," Say said.
"They would have a big of a roll on and then they would knock it on and give them easy ball.
"They found a way back a bit, the boys, but a few silly mistakes here and there cost them.
"They are a handy team, they only had 13 as well so it was a bit of a tough struggle but I think if they can get everyone together they will be up there this year, that is for sure."
The league tag team were also beaten.