The Kurri Bulldogs ‘All Stars’ triumphed over South Newcastle to become the Newcastle Rugby League open grade premiers, winning the grand final 16-6 at Hunter Stadium on Sunday.
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The ‘All Stars’ became only the second Bulldogs side to lift the third grade trophy since the grade’s inception in 1955.
A Connor Browne try gave South Newcastle a 6-0 advantage early in the first half.
Kurri co-captain coach Mick Carr scored on the eve on half-time with Ryan Evans slotting the conversion to go to the break 6-all.
Grinding defence set the tone for the second half, as both teams failed to score points from golden opportunities.
A high shot on Kurri’s Kieran Steele gave the Bulldogs a shot at penalty with 15 minutes remaining, which sailed wide.
Second rower Cody Dodd burrowed over from dummy half to put Kurri in front for the first time in the match.
Co-captain coach Scott Hill’s try on full time sparked scenes of jubilation as “the Kennel”, the Bulldogs’ rabid supporter group, surged onto the field to celebrate.
It caps off a stellar year for the ‘All Stars’, who were belted 50-12 in the opening round by minor premiers and grand final opponents South Newcastle.
After two more big losses to Lakes and Wests they changed tactics at training – defensive sessions led by former Knights and Kurri players Reegan Tanner and Todd Polglase the key to the turnaround.
When the two teams met next, the Bulldogs grinded out a 25-18 victory at home – a highlight in their 12-week undefeated streak (11 wins and a draw).
The Lions broke the streak in the grand final qualifier, 16-6 – the same margin they would lose by in the grand final.
In the end, the Bulldogs’ playing experience in seven former first graders was too much.
A number of Kurri players overcame injuries to feature in Sunday’s match.
Forward Michael Hug donned a back brace to play a part in the victory.
Retiring halfback Ryan Evans went down with a shoulder dislocation near full-time after a late hit.
Joab Eastley now joins father Billy in Bulldogs history after Sunday’s victory, both winning open grade grand finals 29 years apart. Billy played in the 1986 premiership winning side over Waratah-Mayfield, before his son was even born.
The Kurri Bulldogs presentation will be held on Friday, October 9 at Kurri Bowling Club. Read more on the Bulldogs' Facebook page here.