SOUTH West Rocks will head into this weekend's grudge match with the Kendall Blues on the back of a 38-22 win over the Lower Macleay Magpies.
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It wasn't all easy going for the Marlins, however, as they almost squandered a 24-0 half-time lead.
Craig Smith started the scoring for the home side in the seventh minute, which was converted by Mick Judd for a 6-0 lead.
That was followed by tries to Duncan, Owens and McPhillips, which gave South West Rocks the huge advantage at the break.
It looked to be another thrashing in the second half as the Marlins raced in through five-eighth Hudson before the Magpies put the pedal to the metal, scoring four tries to send a scare through the home side.
In between the tries to Milner, Skinner, Forrest and Stevenson the Marlins booted a penalty goal to add a little cushion to the gap.
With the scoreboard reading 32-22 the visitors still had ten minutes to post two match-winning tries, however the Marlins showed why they are a force to be reckoned with, getting back on their game to halt the comeback.
Just before the full-time siren was set to sound, winger Davey capped off the high scoring affair with a try, which was converted by fan-favourite Judd for a final score of 38-22.