The back five for the Warriors had a field day running in eight of the nine tries scored and only an off day with the boot from the Dungog goalkickers prevented the score being higher.

All of the Warriors tries were the result of good teamwork and great passing and although their hands let them down at times they were far too good for Kearsley all over the paddock

With both teams recently been promoted from C Grade there was a lot of anticipation leading into the match but it was the Warriors who opened the scoring when first try specialist Jordan Campbell backed up a break by Matt Hinton to go over for an unconverted try.

Chris Nevin was the next to score when he finished off a fantastic backline move to go over for a try.

The conversion was unsuccessful but an indescretion after the try resulted in another shot at goal from in front which was converted for a 10-nil lead to the Warriors.

Dungog hooker Daniel Bates then showed his class with a clever blindside play resulting in Aaron Cottom going over for an unconverted try.

Dungog had enjoyed a mountain of possession to this stage but things started to even out and the Crushers halfback Alex Davey went over for a converted try after a clever kick chase.

Things got interesting soon after when Kearsley went over for a soft try from close range and with the conversion found themselves only two points behind at the 30 minute mark.

This was only a minor blip on the radar for the Warriors who ran in three tries before the half-time break. Firstly Matt Hinton went over then Aaron Cottom went in for his second after backing up an intercept by Jeremy Fredericks. Lee Nevin finished the scoring for the half when he crossed after a good pass from Daniel Bates giving the Warriors  a 28–12 lead at the break.

Dungog started the second half with a bang with Cottom crossing wide out for his third try. They had the game in their keeping when Jordan Campbell crossed for his second with 25 minutes to go.

The Warriors hands let them down in the second half either through forced passes or simple dropped balls and Kearsley’s Davey took advantage going in for his second try. 

Dungog had the final say though when Jake Clifton sent Keiran Hinton over for a converted try to have the Warriors running out winners 42-18. 

The forwards led by Daniel Bates, Matt Hinton, Jacob Long and Nathan Ward created the platform which allowed halves Jeremy Fredericks and Jake Clifton plenty of room to create opportunities for the Dungog outside backs

Dungog 42: A Cottom 3, J Campbell 2, L Nevin, K Hinton, C Nevin, M Hinton tries J Fredericks 2 L Nevin goals def Kearsley  18: 3 tries 3 goals

RSL Best Back Aaron Cottam, RSL Best Forward Daniel Bates, Players’ Player Aaron Cottom, Ray’s Reserve Hayden Mitchell

This Saturday Dungog take on Dudley at Bennett Park at 3.30pm following the juniors so come along and watch a few junior games.