Southern Cross University were drawing with Casuarina Beach, tipped to make Far North Coast Rugby Union's First Grade finals, at half time in an inspirational performance.

"We were outstanding in the first half. At one stage we had two players given yellow cards and not only did we hold Casuarina out but centre Joel Wilson scored a 60 metre try," said the Gold Rats' coach Harry Witt.

"Joel gave a brilliant individual performance and his try helped us have a bit of belief. Joel also showed what he really has and it encouraged the players to feed him the ball. I want Joel to play like that every week."

Centre Joel Wilson had his best match for Southern Cross University in both attack and defence. Photo: Josh Condon

Centre Matt McMullen scored two length of the field tries in a performance Witt described as outstanding.

"One was a 70-metre dash when Casuarina spilt the ball with our defence troubling them. It was against the run of play. But it is fantastic to know we have players who have that brilliance. Matt's ability to read the play is fantastic and then to react in the best way is so pleasing."

Matt McMullen, who scored a hat-trick of tries against Lismore erlier this season, scores the first of two tries against Casuarina Beach. Photo: Josh Condon

Then, as has been the case for Witt's side, the Gold Rats lapsed at the start of the second half, allowing the home side to score three quick tries.

"Three big mistakes and we spent the rest of the match trying to get back. Another five minutes of play and we would have won but we let them take the lead."

The Gold Rats came back to within five points and scored four tries to take two points in another sign that the side has come on in leaps and bounds this season.

"We kicked out from our own 22 and the ball rolled well into their half. Their player was put into pressure and kicked it into touch. Matt mcMullen who had rushed up, took a quick line-out to Riley Spencer, back to Matt McMullen, to Pat Kelly and to Matt Anderson who went under the posts. What delighted me was that the players ran from their own half to get to their half. Not just one player, but the lot of them," said Witt.

The Gold Rats' Number Eight Matt Murray sizes up his Casuarina Beach opponent with prop Mitch Bird coming up in support. Photo: Josh Condon

McMullen scored his second from an interception and ran 60 metres to touch down.

"Will Hawkins converted every try and that was crucial for us to get a point from the game. His kicking was really good," said Witt.

Southern Cross University starting XV: 1. Mitch Bird, 2. Isaac Penfold, 3. Pat Kelly, 4. Ben Prozinski, 5. Riley Spencer, 6. Johnson Porykali, 7. Kirk Taylor-Brown, 8. Matt Murray, 9. Matt Anderson, 10. Will Hawkins, 11. Rhys Harrison, 12. Josh Wilson, 13. Matt

McMullen, 14. Jake Henry, 15. Michael McMullen

Far North Coast Rugby Union's First Grade Round 13

Casuarina Beach 33 (14) Webb Lillis 2, Mitch Planten 2, Rian Olivier tries, Webb Lillis 3, Rian Olivier Conversions

Southern Cross University 28 (14) Matt McMullen 2, Matt Anderson, Josh Wilson tries, Will Hawkins 4 conversions

Lismore 52 (26) James Whitby 2, Andrew Sky, Gavin Tulk, Brenden Williams, Jack Everingham, Jake Lennon, Perry Daly tries, Andrew Sky 6 conversions

Grafton 19 (5) Zac Mason-Gale, Tom Tanner, Dwayne Duke tries, Luke Worthing 2 conversions

Wollongbar Alstonville 55(14) Penalty Try, Ryan Graham 2, James Vidler, Bill Johnston, Josh Damen, Austin Markwort, Ben Damen, Zac Hyatt tries, Ben Damen 4 conversions

Casino 17 (10) Josef Lalabaluva 2 tries, Harrison Cusack 2 conversions, penalty goal

Ballina 46 (34) Tom Watson 3, Tupou Lolohea 2, Joe Jansson 2, Stan Lolohea tries, Tom Watson 3 Conversion

Lennox Head 19 (5) Billy Goldsmith 2, Callum S Jones tries, Billy Goldsmith 2 conversions

Byron Bay v Bangalow - match postponed

Point Score – Wollongbar Alstonville, 65, Casuarina 47, Lennox Head 44, Ballina 41, Byron Bay 34, Grafton 29, Casino 29, SCU 16, Lismore 12, Bangalow 11