Bellbird defeated a gallant Kurri Kurri Public School 36-8 in the final at Mt View Park last Wednesday.

Both schools as they will both progress to the Newcastle Rebels Finals Day at St Johns Oval on September 20 and will represent the Cessnock Goannas RLFC and the Kurri Kurri Bulldogs respectively.

NRL game development officer Matthew Sharman said the quality of play by the boys and girls involved was excellent.

"The program keeps on growing and the enthusiasm from the youngsters as well as the school representatives is fantastic.

"In a real treat for the young boys and girls, former Newcastle Knights and Kurri Kurri Bulldogs star Mark Hughes from New South Wales Rugby League presented the cup at the end of the final game.

"A massive thank you to Gavin and the team from the Cessnock Minor Rugby-League club for hosting the event and Michael from the Newcastle Coalfields Rugby League Referees Association for officiating the games."

Other schools to take part were Cessnock Public School, Pelaw Main Public School, St Philip's Christian College, Cessnock, St Patrick's School, Cessnock and Nulkaba Public School.

FINAL

Bellbird Public School 36 defeated Kurri Kurri Public School 8

POOL A

Round 1

Cessnock Public School 8 def by 28 Kurri Kurri Public School

Pelaw Main Public School 4 def by 28 St Philip's Christian College

Round 2

St Philip's Christian College 16 def Cessnock PS 8

Kurri Kurri PS 24 def Pelaw Main PS 4

Round 3

Pelaw Main PS 8 def 20 Cessnock PS

St Philip's Christian College 20 drew 20 Kurri Kurri PS

POOL B

Round 1:

Nulkaba Public School 20 def 0 St Patrick's Cessnock

Round 2:

Bellbird Public School 16 def 12 Nulkaba PS

Round 3:

St Patrick's Cessnock 20 def 8 Bellbird PS