The Rivers appeared to have the points, in their catch-up game, after a converted try late in the second half to grab a 20-16 lead.

It was the first time Paterson held the lead, but reduced to just one man on the bench Gloucester dug deep again and centre Novan Monro scored an equaliser.

The conversion went wide and the draw was a fitting result to the hard-fought contest in wet and boggy conditions.

Gloucester got off to a bright start with tries to Scott Wratten and Corbin Predebon and successful conversions by Tom Markey giving the Magpies a 12-0 lead.

But Paterson steadied and muscled up in defence to create a number of turn overs. The Rivers scored the next two tries and went into half-time just two points down.

Gloucester scored first after the break with Scott Wratten getting his double but were unable to convert.

The arm-wrestle continued with The Rivers finally breaking the Magpies line mid-term and seven minutes later to take a 20-16 lead.

But it was short-lived with the Magpies crossing four minutes later to tie up the match.

The Dungog Warriors catch-up game against Kearsley Crushers was postponed again after the playing surface at Bennett Park failed to come up for play on Thursday.

Warriors secretary Peter Hudson said the game would be re-scheduled to the next available catch-up round over the Queen’s Birthday long-weekend in June.

“We’ll try to get a night fixture on the Friday night to give the players the weekend off,” Hudson said.

The Warriors are hoping for good drying conditions to allow Bennett Park to recover for back-to-back junior fixtures on Saturday and Sunday. 

The senior team have an away game on Sunday against Waratah Mayfield.

Clarence Town v Gloucester at Clarence Town Park on Saturday at 3pm.

Wallsend Maryland v Stroud at Grange Oval on Saturday at 3pm.

Paterson River v Karuah at Paterson Sportsground on Saturday at 3pm.

Waratah Mayfield v Dungog at Waratah Oval on Sunday at 3pm.