An intense and physical match ended in heartbreak this Sunday at Bishop Park.

The Devils and Dolphins teams were both bolstered with NRL affiliate players for a local rivalry clash that is always a favourite for specatators.

Both teams failed to convert any opportunities to points in the first half of the match, a testament to the strong defence at both ends of the field.

A try saving tackle from Tyrone Roberts on Dolphins fullback Trai Fuller was a highlight.

However Devils recruit Sam Lavea crashed over from a Jerome Veve pass to open the scoring in the 46th minute.

Brendan Frei, the charging second rower who returned from an injury stint last week, crossed for the Devils second try from a slick pass from captain Jack Ahearn that saw the Devils go up 12 points to nil.

With 12 minutes on the clock the Devils were in a good position until the Dolphins snuck over thanks to Jarrett Boland.

The Dolphins stuck again just 5 minutes later through Shane Pumipi to bring the scores to 12-12.

In a heartbreaking finish for Norths the Dolphins managed a late field goal in the 79th minute to wrap up the game in their favour.

The Devils will take a lesson from the match on making the most of their opportunities as they look ahead to this weekend when they play the Tweed Heads Seagulls down at Tweed.