It was a dour affair, but the Kurri Kurri Bulldogs accomplished their mission with a 26-22 win against Central Newcastle.
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The Bulldogs will know on Sunday afternoon if they have booked their place in the semis after Cessnock meet Western Suburbs at Harker Oval.
A Cessnock win sets up a thrilling last round Coalfields battle between the Bulldogs and Goannas.
However, a loss seals the Bulldogs spot in the top five and semi-final football.
Bulldogs coach Phil Williams said there had been a lot of pressure on his team, but they stood up to the challenge and got the win.
“Centrals took it right up to us. They were very physical and it certainly wasn’t a pretty game, but we got the two points,” he said.
“It’s been a turbulent couple of weeks, but they stuck to what was needed on field
The Bulldogs got further good news with star player Terence Seu Seu playing a full reserves game and expected to be fit for first grade next week.
They are also expected to welcome back Knights NSW cup players Ryan Walker and Mick Steel.
The only concern is whether Cory Holman will have any consequences to face at the judiciary after being sin-binned with 12 minutes to go.
“It’s over to Cessnock now. Whatever the result we have to turn up ready for a big game,” he said.
“There’s some more twist and turns to come before we can start planning, but we’ve done what we had to do today.
“It wasn’t really pretty, it was a bit of struggle.”
Williams said Ethan Niszczot, Ben Wyborn, Brock Gilmour and Tyme Dow-Nikau were the Bulldogs’ best.
First Grade
Kurri Kurri 26 def Central Newcastle 22
Kurri Kurri Scorers - E Niszczot, J Griffiths, K Hardy, T Dow-Nikau, C Holman. Goals - E Niszczot 3.
Central Newcastle Scorers - C Anderson 3, B Calder. Goals - B Calder 3.
Reserve Grade
Kurri Kurri 42 def Central Newcastle 6
Open Grade
Kurri Kurri 32 def Central Newcastle 30
U19
Central Newcastle 24 def Kurri Kurri 14