MNC Rugby release 2012 draw

MID North Coast Rugby has released the draw for the 2012 first grade season with the addition of a fifth side to the competition the biggest talking point.

Southern Cross University Marlins will join the competition after moving up from reserve grade.

The Marlins return is set to throw a spanner in the works for the other four sides and is sure to create some nail biting rugby throughout the upcoming season.

MNC Rugby's Des Hoy stated that the entire competition is looking forward to taking on the new boys and was confident it would help strengthen the league.

"University have made the step up after a few seasons playing in reserve grade and the under 18s so they should be very competitive," Hoy said.

"They are a really well organised club and their addition to the competition will really give rugby in Coffs Harbour a boost."

Round one of the season kicks off on April 14 however Hoy said sides are already preparing for round one.

"The Crescent Head 7's Rugby competition is a big warm up event with many clubs nominating to compete," he said.

"Structured trials will take place in March with sides finalized and ready to go come April 14."

Under the new five team draw sides will play each team three times and have three bye weeks.

There is also two rest weekends for representative fixtures on May 19 and July 14 as well as an additional rest weekend for the Queens Birthday holiday on June 9.

The Grand Final will take place on September 1.

2012 MNC RUGBY FIXTURE

Round 1 - April 14

University v Hastings Valley

Port Pirates v Kempsey

Bye: Coffs Rugby

Round 2 - April 21

Kempsey v University

Coffs Rugby v Port Pirates

Bye: Hastings Valley

Round 3 - April 28

Port Pirates v University

Hastings Valley v Coffs Rugby

Bye: Kempsey

Round 4 - May 5

University v Coffs Rugby

Kempsey v Hastings Valley

Bye: Port Pirates

Round 5 - May 12

Hastings Valley v Port Pirates

Coffs Rugby v Kempsey

Bye: University

Tri-Zone weekend - May 19

Round 6 - May 26

Hastings Valley v University

Kempsey v Port Pirates

Bye: Coffs Rugby

Round 7 - June 2

University v Kempsey

Port Pirates v Coffs Rugby

Bye: Hastings Valley

Queens Birthday - June 9

Round 8 - June 16

University v Port Pirates

Coffs Rugby v Hastings Valley

Bye: Kempsey

Round 9 - June 23

Coffs Rugby v University

Hastings Valley v Kempsey

Bye: Port Pirates

Round 10 - June 30

Port Pirates v Hastings Valley

Kempsey v Coffs Rugby

Bye: University

Round 11 - July 7

University v Hastings Valley

Port Pirates v Kempsey

Bye: Coffs Rugby

Rep match v FNC - July 14

Round 12 - July 21

Kempsey v University

Coffs Rugby v Port Pirates

Bye: Hastings Valley

Round 13 - July 28

Port Pirates v University

Hastings Valley v Coffs Rugby

Bye: Kempsey

Round 14 - August 4

University v Coffs Rugby

Kempsey v Hastings Valley

Bye: Port Pirates

Round 15 - August 11

Hastings Valley v Port Pirates

Coffs Rugby v Kempsey

Bye: University

**There is no bye in the lower grades as South West Rocks is fielding a reserve grade and under-18 team.