The Inverell Highlander’s hopes of a finals berth has come to an end after one of the tightest matches on display this season in Central North Rugby action.

It was a game of to and fro against the Tamworth Pirates throughout the entire match, going down to the wire right up until full-time, however the Pirates just managed to clinch on to go ahead to the finals after kicking a penalty goal right at the end of the game, taking the day 34-33.

In the other first grade game and Narrabri Blue Boars have secured hosting rights to the Grand Final after another close match was played over the weekend, taking victory against the Moree Bulls 33-30.

Meantime in the reserve grade games and Pirates dominated the Blue Boars 41-27 and the Bulls defeated the Lions 36-22, while in the Women’s 10s, the Pirates held off the Rams 24-12 and the Red Devils claimed the win against the Blue Boars 24-10.