On a perfect day for rugby league at Bennett Park last Sunday the Dungog Warriors proved far too good for the Abermain Hawks coming away with a comprehensive 38-0 victory.
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The Warriors were in control from the kickoff with centre James Foot crossing out wide inside the first two minutes.
Front rower Dave Seers was heavily involved in the early exchanges providing plenty of go forward for the Warriors which resuted in more points when Tim Harlow, in his first game for the Warriors, went over for a converted try.
Dungog were creating plenty of opportunities but wrong options and poor passing cost them several chances to extend their lead.
They finally registered their third try when Nathan Ward crashed over after a good ball from Phil Badior.
Badior was creating plenty of chances for the Warriors with his running from dummy half and it was an initial break from him which resulted in the try for Ward.
The conversion from Badior allowed Dungog to go to half time well in control leading 16-0.
The second half started in a similar vein to the first with Luke Rits crashing over for a converted try soon after the restart.
The next 15 minutes would be best wiped from the memory banks with both teams struggling to complete a set of six and scrums being the order of the day thanks to both sides having no respect for the ball when in possession.
Thankfully Dungog were able to extricate themselves from this predicament and over the last 20 minutes showed their supporters what they can do when they hold onto the ball.
James Foot went over for his second try when he outpaced the Hawks defence in a 30-metre run.
Captain coach Nathan Ward then went over for his second meat pie of the day after getting a great pass from dummy half Badior.
Badior was spot on with both conversions to have the Warriors up 34-0.
The last points of the afternoon were left to Warriors centre James Foot when he capped off a great game when he crossed out wide for his third try of the afternoon.
All in all a great performance from the Warriors but there is still plenty of improvement to come and once they get their ball control in order they will be a match for any team in the competition.
There were plenty of good players on Sunday but the depth on the bench was probably the most pleasing factor.
With players the calibre of Wes Neilson, Tim Harlow, Ash and Mitch Evans, Aiden Chivers and Ben Partridge coming of the bench it all augers well for the weeks ahead.
RSL best forward Dave Seers, RSL best back James Foot , players’ player James Foot and Ray’s reserve Ash Evans.
While it was a great win by Dungog they will have their premiership credentials put to the test on Saturday when they travel to Connelly Park to take on unbeaten competition favourites Carrington with the game set down for a 2pm start.
