In an entertaining game of Rugby league at Bennett park last Wednesday night Dungog found competition front runners Paterson a shade to strong going down 40-24.
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With the Warriors out of the semi final race and Paterson four points clear at the top of the table many of the spectators that braved the cool conditions were expecting a one sided affair but Dungog took it to their more fancied opponents and it was only in the last 10 minutes that Paterson gained the upper hand.
The Warriors got off to a great start when Aaron Cottam finished off a great backline move to cross in the corner and with Lee Nevin adding the extras with a magnificent side line conversion, Dungog had an early 6-0 lead.
Dungog were enjoying the better of play but it was Paterson who were the next to score when their second rower barged over from close range to level the scores.
The Warriors were more than holding their own against the premiership front runners and regained the lead when Hooker Scott Robson carrying on his good recent form fooled the defence to go over for a converted try.
Paterson once again drew level when on the back of a couple of penalties they went over out wide for a converted try.
Paterson started to get on a bit of a roll and poor defence out wide by the Warriors had them hitting the lead for the first time when they again scored out wide to take the lead 16-12.
Solid defence and strong running from both sides were making the game and attractive spectacle and the enjoyment level for the local supporters went up a notch when Aaron Cottam finished off another enterprising backline move to score in the corner.
Lee Nevin added the extras with another great conversion to have the Warriors in front 18-16, a lead that they took into the half time break.
The performance from the Warriors in the first half was one of their best halves of the season and only a repeat of that would be good enough to get the points against the competition favourites. Unfortunately for Dungog a succession of penalties to the visitors had the Warriors on the back foot and two converted tries to Paterson inside the first 15 minutes had them leading 28-18.
Most spectators at the game, especially the Paterson ones probably expected the flood gates to open but if they did they under estimated the grit and determination that the Warriors were showing on the night and it was game on with 20 minutes to go when Will Palermo crossed for his first try for Dungog.
Another superb sideline conversion from Nevin had Dungog back in the hunt trailing 28-24. Dungog continued to take the game to their better credentialled opponents and were enjoying good field position and looking dangerous only for things to go pear shaped in the course of 30 seconds.
With Dungog attacking 15 metres from the Paterson line, a lost ball had Paterson in possession.
From the play the ball the Paterson fullback broke the Warriors defence to race 90 metres for a converted try and a 34-24 lead with 10 minutes to play.
Paterson added another try just before full time to run out winners 40-24. Although the scoreline indicates an easy win to the visitors this was far from the case with Dungog more than holding it own for the majority of the match and all the players that took part should be proud of the effort they put in.
Although out of semi final contention if they can reproduce last Wednesday’s effort over the last three rounds there are sure to be wins forthcoming.
Dungog’s next game is at Bennett Park on Sunday at 2.30 pm when they take on second placed Fingal Bay.
Dungog defeated the Bay at home earlier in the season and were narrowly beaten over at Fingal the last time they met.
In what should be another quality game of footy at the park , come along and watch the Warriors record another victory. The players and club will also be showing its support for the men of league foundation by wearing special men of league socks on the day.
