Players' player Hayden Dark and Zach Pursehouse both scored doubles and Kyle Handford kicked two goals in the win over the Magpies, the competition favourites with reigning premier Dora Creek.

"It was an unreal win as everyone came in thinking it was West Wallsend and Dora Creek in a two-horse race for the comp," Bears coach Pat Robards said.

"To deliver a performance like that was very pleasing."

Robards said Dark had a terrific game and had great support from Dan Harris, Dom Fiorenza, Kyle Handford and Shaun Bell.

Dora Creek defeated University 24-6 and Central Coast side Northern Lakes beat Glendale 24-16. Maitland United had the bye

There were contrasting results for the Aberglasslyn Ants men and women. The men went down 24-36 to Wallsend Maryland in B-grade.

The Ants A-grade Ladies League Tag team will be favourites for a fourth a premiership in a row after dismantling Hamilton 62-0. There stiffest competition looks like coming from local rivals Maitland United who defeated Greta Branxton 20-0.

Last year's grand finalists Dungog and Stroud played out a 16-all draw in their C-grade game as the Warriors opened their premiership defence home at Bennett Park. Premiers Stroud 22 defeated Dungog 0 in B-grade LLT

Kearsley Crushers defeated Shortland 30-16 in D-grade men's.

In women's tackle, Berkeley Vale 58 defeated Maitland United 0. Aberglasslyn Ants had the bye.