The Kurri Kurri Bulldogs have advanced to the Newcastle Rugby League grand final with a 14-12 come-from-behind win on Sunday.
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Daniel Craig, in his 100th grade game, scored the equalising try for the Bulldogs before Jackson Cluff converted to give Kurri the win.
Bulldogs coach, Dean Peterkin, who was also playing his 100th grade game for the Bulldogs, said he was relieved and proud that the reigning open grade premiers had made another grand final.
“The boys did the easier way this time, they lost this match this year,” Peterkin said.
“My phone has been running hot with Facbook messages of support from Bulldogs fans.
“It’s an exciting couple of weeks for the boys. We had a largely new squad this year and they’re mostly young blokes, but they’ve come together well and up for the challenge.”
The Bulldogs trailed 12-6 at half-time with Wests crossing for a late try just before the break.
“We gave Wests far too much ball in the first half and thankfully our defence was able to hold them out for most of it,” he said.
“We completed seven of 15 sets in the first half and they were at 16 of 17.
“They completed their sets and had control of field position.
“At half-time we felt that if we could improve our ball control and complete our sets we could come back.”
At half-time we felt that if we could improve our ball control and complete our sets we could come back.
- Kurri Kurri Bullodgs open age coach Dean Peterkin
The Bulldogs stuck to their coach’s orders and completed 17 of 18 sets in the second half.
“The second half was great. It’s pretty simple in rugby league, but especially open grade, hold the ball and you’re more than likely going to win,” he said.
“It was a great effort by the boys, as having the try scored against them late in the first half could have dented their confidence.”
Backrowers Stuart Stoker and Mark Ostermann were the Bulldogs best on the day, with Ostermann scoring a try in his 98th grade game.
The other try scorer was Kurt Parrey.
The Bulldogs face the winner of next week’s preliminary final between Lakes United and West in the grand final at Hunter Stadium.
Cessnock under 19s are also alive in the race for the grand final after beating South Newcastle 22-20.
The young Goannans face Central Newcastle in Saturday’s preliminary final. Lakes United progressed to the grand final with a 30-10 win against Central.
In first grade, Macquarie Scorpions booked their spot in the grand final with a 34-16 win against South Newcastle. The Lions face Wests in the preliminary final. Wests beat Lakes United 26-18 in the minor semi-final.
Meanwhile, the Dungog Warriors are into the Newcastle and Hunter Rugby League C-grade grand final against Carrington with a 20-14 win against Swansea. Hinton are in the D-grade grand final.
