In a complete turnaround from the week before, both Kurri Bulldogs and Cessnock Goannas recorded commanding wins on Saturday.
The Bulldogs thumped Maitland Pickers 50-6 at Coronation Oval.
The Bulldogs went in first through No. 5 Ethan Niszczott down the left hand side of the field.
Maitland matched this play with almost an exact replica, No. 5 Isaac Upton scored on the left hand side to take it to six all.
The Bulldogs then lifted as the Pickers crumbled, going on to score 44 unanswered points.
In a switch from hooker to half-back, Kurri’s Terence Seu Seu was electric.
The play maker busted through the defence on several occasions to either cross the try line himself or create an opportunity for other players to score.
Up-and-comers Niszczott and Jayden Young, who was on debut, both played well to score themselves a double each.
Kade Hardy kicked well, knocking over seven from eight conversions and two penalty goals.
Bulldogs coach Phil Williams said a lot of soul-searching went on during the week after their loss to Souths, which delivered in a positive result.
“To keep any side in this competition to six points is a pretty good effort,” he said. “Every individual brought something to the game.”
There was wins all across the park for Kurri on Saturday, the first time the club has done so all season.
The Bulldogs reserve grade side beat Maitland 46-12, open grade got up 26-18 and the under-19s won 30-14.
The Goannas had a great day out as well, defeating Central 30-16 at Cessnock Sportsground.
Coach Dan Smailes was pleased with his team’s first half performance, saying they got their defence in order after their loss to Macquarie.
While Smailes said the Goannas lost their way a bit in the second-half, they managed to hang on to bring home the two points.
Brent Mendyk kicked five from five conversions, and added a four pointer himself.
Shaun Metcalf, Marvin Filipo, Brendan Hlad and Jake Watts all crossed the try line, and Smailes also commended forward Dan Metcalf for his efforts.
Ex-Goanna Joe Woodbury also got on the board with a try for Central.
The Goannas reserve grade side also notched up a 32-16 win, open grade went down 26-18 and the 19s recorded a 28-10 victory.
Round eight’s washout match will be played this weekend, with Kurri at home to ladder leaders Lakes on Saturday, and Cessnock taking on Central again at home on Sunday.
Sage Swinton
Sage Swinton is a news reporter who was born and bred in the Hunter. She has been with the Newcastle Herald since June 2020, and covers Newcastle council as well as other general news.
Sage Swinton is a news reporter who was born and bred in the Hunter. She has been with the Newcastle Herald since June 2020, and covers Newcastle council as well as other general news.
