It was also bad new for the Kurri Kurri Bulldogs with all three teams in finals on Saturday going down.

The Saints defeated Newcastle City 13.6  (84) to 6.16 (52) to set up a showdown with the Singleton Roosters.

The Maitland Magpies were brave to the end against Northern NSW NPL premiers Edgeworth losing 2-1 in the second-leg of their semi-final.

The Magpies lost 4-3 on aggregate but lost no fans against a team, which only took out the NPL premiership but has advanced into the round of 16 in the FFA Cup.

Magpies assistant coach Reece Thompson said it was a disappointing result but he could not be prouder of the team and their effort.

Thompson said with the score at 1-all the Magpies had to push for a win as a draw would have seen Edgeworth advance on away goals.

“We had a couple of great chances, but just couldn’t get it into the back of the net,” he said.

“Edgeworth were able to get us on the counter but we never stopped trying.”

Blacks co-coach Mick Hickling said his team had probably given the Waratahs too big a start and were unable to bridge the gap in their 32-20 loss. 

The Waratahs needed to a bonus point win and to stop the Blacks from gaining a bonus point of their own.

The Blacks fell short by five points of gaining the point which would have taken them through to the finals.

“It’s disappointing to bow out this way, but we have had a very good season across the club and we can hold our heads up high,” Hickling said

Bulldogs coach Phil Williams said while it was disappointing for three teams to bow out on Saturday, he could not be prouder of the club for getting all four senior teams into the finals.

“It’s a great achievement to all the players and everyone involved with the club,” he said.

“The results didn’t go our way on the day, but what a fantastic effort by a club I love.”

The Bulldogs open grade team plays in Sunday’s qualifying final against Lakes United.

Cessnock’s under 19s progress to the next week of the finals after beating Kurri Kurri 22-6