South Grafton High on track to retain DEX Shield title

South Grafton defeated Grafton High 32 to 20 at Frank McGuren Field but not before a late scare as Grafton closed the deficit to six late in the match.

With a University Shield North Coast final awaiting on Thursday and holding a seemingly comfortable lead in the latter stages, coach Matt McKee opted to rest key players.

However, a disastrous string of handling errors from South Grafton and a determined and courageous effort from Grafton conspired to see the gap close and with six minutes on the clock there was still time for a massive upset.

The likes of Nick and Tom McGrady and James Hughes were quickly rushed back on and sure enough a Hughes break led to a Tom McGrady try to secure the win.

Grafton High once again forfeited in the Under-14s to South Grafton while defending champions Maclean were upstaged by McAuley and will need a big win over South Grafton to retain the title when the two clash in the third and final round of the competition next Wednesday at McKittrick Park.