In a tough encounter Dungog’s class ensured they got the two points to remain unbeaten and finish 34-6 winners.

Stroud started the game kicking off out on the full and Dungog went straight on the attack. A stray pass out wide denied Dungog a scoring opportunity in the opening minute.

From then, as always, the first exchanges were brutal with neither team wanting to give the opposition an inch.

Warrirors centre Jordan Bartlett opened the scoring with a try on the left-hand fringe, after some nice ball movement. 

Dungog failed to complete the ensuing set and put themselves under some unnecessary pressure.

Stroud were good enough to capitalise on the Warriors’ mistake. Their big prop showing a nice step and diving over for a converted try and taking the lead 6-4.

With some strong running and quick play the balls, Dungog had Stroud on the back foot and Daniel Bates barged over from 10 metres out. Jeremy Fredricks converted for the 10-6 lead.

Matt Hinton also took advantage of the roll on, hitting a nice line and scoring next to the left upright with five minutes to go in the first half to give Dungog a 16-6 lead at the break.

Soon after half-time, Dungog were down to 12 men, when Lee Nevin was sent for 10 minutes in the sin-bin for a professional foul.

Dungog’s defence remained stubborn and held out Stroud’s attacking raids and the 10-man Warriors scored through Aiden Brekelemans and extended their lead to 20-6.

With a full complement of players back on the park the Warriors played the second half down Stroud’s end.

After building some pressure young tear away Jacob Long ran over three men for his first try in maroon and gold seniors. Fredricks converted giving a 26-6 score line.

Aiden Brekelemans scored another try from dummy half in similar fashion to his first.

Not to be outdone younger brother Trai was next to score. Trai picked Stroud’s pockets from 40 metres out, intercepting a pass and racing to the try line for the final points of the night with Dungog running out 34-6 victors.

Matt Hinton is gaining confidence every game and was supported up front by Jeremy Long.

Halfback Fredricks controlled the side well and the centre pairing of Jordan Bartlett and Trai Brekelmans caused plenty of headaches.

Aiden Brekelmans showed his value coming off the bench and the return of premiership winning prop Dan Rumbel was a welcome sight.

Best forward went to Daniel Bates, best back Trai Brekelmans, Ray’s reserve Aiden Brekelmans and players’ players to Matt Hinton.