St Albert's College didn't manage to get a win in Sunday's New England first grade minor semi-final but they more than gave the Harbour Knights a run for their money.
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It was always going to be a tough ask for the side, given the limited numbers they have to pick from compared to a massive Coffs Harbour population.
The Albies team is picked from a couple of hundred university students whereas the joint venture - Coffs Harbour Snappers and Southern Cross University Marlins - have thousands.
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The Harbour side fired early and had a handy lead before Albies clicked into gear.
By then it was too late with the hosts running out 38-24 winners.
Despite their season ending earlier than they had hoped, Albies co-coach Scott Waterson applauded his side for the way they rose to the occasion.
Overall, Waterson has been rapt with the New England Rugby Union season, given the tough conditions the world is facing.
"I think the 2020 NERU season, which still has two weeks to run, has been outstanding," he said.
"I know our players have loved the consistency, and enjoyed the opportunity of playing other sides adding a bit of variety.
"I think the NERU Zone executive needs to be congratulated for pulling it off, and so too all clubs that have embraced season 2020 an made it such a success."
The Harbour Knights will now face Tamworth, who were beaten by Walcha in the major semi-final, for this Saturday's preliminary final at Alcatraz in Armidale.