Topics: coffs harbour comets, country rugby league, group 2, mckittrick park, rugby league, south grafton rebels

YOU COULD sense something was on the cards.

Two quick tries and South Grafton Rebels were suddenly within reach. Trailing 18-16 in a game that, on paper, they should never win, the red and whites were sticking it to defending premiers Coffs Comets.

And why shouldn't they? A strong, supportive crowd was on hand to witness a spectacle at McKittrick Park on Saturday; an upset of the season would be the perfect way to warm up for the club's centenary celebrations that evening.

Comets were simply being out-enthused. They failed to clean up a dangerous grubber and Josh Rigg picked up the crumbs to reach over and score. Jay Melrose's conversion was successful and with 20 minutes on the clock, Rebels led the competition leaders 22-18.

Then they imploded, with the help of referee James Maggio.

Rebels self-destructed and went into meltdown as frustrations boiled over in the last 20 minutes and Comets prevailed 34-22.

Captain Rhys Walters was ordered to spend 10 minutes off the field after questioning the referee. On the back of three more penalties, Comets five-eighth Peter Irwin was awarded a try from dummy half. Protestations for obstruction, double movement and failing to ground were rife but to no avail as Maggio, without batting an eyelid, pointed Dwayne Duke to the sheds. Nathan Curry converted from the sideline to give Comets the lead and with 11 men on the field, the future did not look good for the Rebels.

Rebels' second rower Austin Cooper made a barnstorming break only to land awkwardly on his shoulder, spelling an end to his afternoon and worsening the side's predicament.

But Rebels intercepted immediately after the stoppage and centre Aaron Martin almost came down with a Ron Gordon bomb. Shortly after, Donald Johnson had daylight in front if his fingertip intercept attempt had stuck.

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Rebels with a cause before turnaround Comets ride out storm