The East Maitland Griffins prepared for their upcoming finals campaign with a resounding 30-10 win over Belmont Souths at King Edward Park on Sunday.

Winger Brad Nichols scored a double while Luke Carmody, Al Quinn, Luke Mercer and Larry Taufua also claimed four-pointers for East Maitland.

The 20-point win meant the Griffins finished the Newcastle Hunter Rugby League competition in second spot, after Wallsend Maryland sealed the minor premiership with a 76-6 win over Dora Creek.

The Griffins will take on Belmont Souths again in Saturday’s qualifying final at Raymond Terrace, with the winner progressing to meet Wallsend Maryland in the major semi-final.

In B-grade Paterson River scored 30 points for the second consecutive week but again found themselves on the losing side, this time against Waratah Mayfield.

Tries to Justin King, Bronson Swift, Clinton Quarterly, Andrew Roberts and a double to Jason Smith were not enough to prevent a 38-30 loss at Waratah Oval.

Despite the loss Paterson River finished ahead of Waratah Mayfield on points differential, meaning they’ll meet Tea Gardens in this Saturday’s elimination final.

Fullback Craig Benson starred in Abermain’s 44-12 win over Woodberry at Howe Park with two tries and six conversions in C-grade, while Dungog edged out Hinton 22-17 at Bennett Park. 

Dungog meet Stroud in next weekend’s qualifying final while Hinton takes on Newcastle University in the elimination final.

In D-grade Thornton Beresfield went down 28-20 in their top-of-the-table clash against Carrington at Lindsay Park, and will meet Gloucester in the qualifying final next weekend.

West Maitland ended their season with an entertaining 37-34 win at home to Gloucester, while Clarence Town ran in four tries but went down 40-24 to Williamtown at Hexham Oval.