Dick Burwell Oval hosted the game between Warners Bay and Nelson Bay after Feighan Oval was closed due to wet weather.

It looked as though it would suit the Marlins as they kicked five of the first six goals of the game to open up an early 23-point lead. 

However, Warners Bay kicked eight of the next nine goals, including a snaking effort off the left boot from Jack Downing, to take an 18-point lead into half-time.

Nelson Bay sprung back into the game with two goals to Sean McGrath.

They were however unable to make further inroads on the scoreboard and when Warners Bay’s Tom Prentice kicked a goal right on the three-quarter time siren, the Bulldogs led by 11 points.

Nelson Bay tried to bridge the gap in the final quarter but their efforts were fruitless.

The Bulldogs won 15.7 (97) to 11.6 (72) and moved into the top four, just ahead of Nelson Bay on percentage.

In other matches, Terrigal Avoca defeated Killarney Vale 9.10 (64) to 4.6 (30), while Cardiff’s clash with Newcastle City was postponed due to wet weather.

A make-up match will be held this Saturday, May 30, at No. 1 Sportsground.

In first division, Maitland moved to the top of the table with a 41-point win over the previously unbeaten Wyong Lakes.

Terrigal Avoca was too strong for Killarney Vale, winning by 94 points, and Warners Bay defeated Lake Macquarie by 35 points.

In second division the winners were Muswellbrook, Warners Bay, Lake Macquarie, The Entrance Bateau Bay and Nelson Bay.