The minor premiership is the Warriors first since 2005.

The game was also a tribute to Alan Hinton who passed away through the week. Several of Alan’s grandsons play for the Warriors and black arm bands were worn out of respect.

The previous time these two teams met Dungog came away with an embarrassing defeat so there was plenty to play for as the Warriors sought revenge and the hardware.

Despite this it was Dora Creek who struck first for an early 6-0 lead.

With consecutive tries to RSL best back Chris Evans, followed by tries to Jackson Bell and Lee Nevin, gave Dungog a commanding 22-6 lead.

At this stage Dungog’s back-line was in full flight producing some spectacular moves to create space for the outside runners.

It became evident early that Dora Creek could be exploited on the fringes which is where the Warriors looked to target.

The half ended on a poor note for the Warriors as they considered a soft try right on the stroke of half time to provide themselves with the momentum going into the break with the score 22-12.

Dora Creek used that momentum at the start of the second half to draw within four points. Suddenly flashbacks of the first time these two teams met came flashing back as Dungog let an early lead slip by them in the second half.

However as they have done on several occasions Dungog fought back.

On this occasion it was Brad Johnson who scored of one of the Warriors pet plays to bring the score to 28-18 and the game was playing out as the top of the table clash everyone had hoped for.

Dora Creek has established themselves as a force in the competition with several high class players. It was on the back of this and two tries that saw Dora Creek draw level at 28.

A controversial penalty seven minutes from full-time meant Lee Nevin had a shot to give Dungog the lead.

The final few minutes played out with plenty on the line the game was eventually decided in the final seconds as Brad Johnson ran close to 90 metres to score the match winner.

Best on the day for Dungog in the backs were Chris Evans and Jared O’Neill, who slotted into the halfback spot comfortably and directed the team around the paddock.

In the forwards were we saw an all brother back row, Brad, Matt and Kieran Hinton were all strong, as were Travis Crouch and Mark Johnston who both stepped into new roles because of injuries in recent weeks.

RSL best forward and players’ player Brad Johnson, RSL best back Chris Evans.