Although the Warriors were confident of an upsetting the competition leaders, poor handling and fundamental errors at crucial stages was to be their downfall.

The home side started in great style, just seven minutes into the game flashy winger Elliott Mate finished a clever movement to score a well deserved try.

Mark Copus added the extras from wide out to give Dungog a handy 6-0 lead.

A simple dropped ball from a kick down field enabled the Lakes five eight to score a try soon after and the visitors were back on level terms at 6-6.

Again a mistake in the play the ball saw the home side lose possession and four tackles later the Lakes hooker was in under the posts to give them a 12-6 lead halfway through the first half.

Hayden Mitchell, who was instrumental in several of Dungogs’ attacking movements, was next to score. He followed a clever grubber kick into the in goal and won the race to the ball and put Dungog back in the game at 12-12.

But once again the revival was short lived, the Warriors conceded a penalty which in turn resulted in an untimely try on the verge of halftime. Lakes went to the break leading 18-6.

The start to the second half was a disaster, with just two minutes gone Lakes posted their next try and raced to a 24-12 lead.

Although the young Warriors were competing in every aspect of the game the short lapses of concentration were evident.

Sam Collison was tireless in both attack and defence and on most occasions the whole Dungog forward pack were able to compete with the opposition.

Again the side rallied, and when a ball had been raked backwards from the hands of a Dungog player Hamish Evans dived over under the posts for what seemed to be the try that would ignite the chance of a victory.

Unfortunately Dungog were awarded a penalty and never really recovered from the disappointment.

Lakes scored another two tries late in the game and left the Dungog side with a hollow loss at 36-12.

I’m sure these men realise they can challenge any side in this competition, but to do that they need to eliminate those few simple errors against quality opposition.

It has been indicated that due to Macquarie being stripped of points for unregistered players and in turn those points awarded to the teams concerned, Dungog now leap to third position on the ladder and with one round to play, can secure a major semi final spot with a win this weekend.

At 1.20pm on Saturday the 18s play West Maitland at Bennett Park.