East Maitland trailed Cardiff by a point heading into round 17 and needed to win their remaining two games to have any chance of making the top five.

But a 26-point defeat to top of the table Belmont Souths at King Edward Park and Cardiff’s 30-12 win over Wallsend Maryland means East Maitland will miss out.

Hooker Nathan Evans scored a try for the Griffins, as did Mitch Pavey off the bench.

Kade Hardy and Chad Irvine kicked a goal each.

Halfback Ash Jarrett scored a hat-trick for the visitors while winger Scott Hartley grabbed a double.

There were also tries for winger Matt Munday, lock Dylan Phythian and centre Lee Mcclintok while Phythian and Owen Craigie added conversions.

West Maitland continued their disappointing season with a 58-10 thrashing at the hands of Shortland at Coronation Oval on Saturday.

The loss wraps up the wooden spoon for the Red Dogs in their return to A-grade.

In C-grade, Waratah Mayfield wrapped up the minor premiership with a convincing 46-16 win over Thornton Beresfield.

Raymond Terrace secured second place with a 34-26 win over Dungog at Bennett Park.

In D-grade, Hinton thrashed Woodberry 50-16, Gloucester downed Abermain 46-16 and Williamtown edged out Clarence Town 28-24.

The Newcastle and Hunter Rugby League All-Age competitions enter their final regular season rounds this weekend before the finals.