Newcastle City will enter this week’s second semi-final full of confidence after a 16.9 (105) to 12.16 (88) win over Terrigal Avoca at No.1 Sportsground.

Despite ending their unbeaten run, the Panthers will progress to the finals having suffered just the one loss for the year.

In another bonus for the Blues, star goal kicker Courtney Knight kicked four goals to claim the leading goal kicker award over Terrigal Avoca’s Jono Gourlay.

Fielding their best line-up for the year, the Blues started the match well and with Knight in good form, they led by nine points at the first change.

Newcastle City maintained the intensity and withstood everything Terrigal Avoca threw at them.

Warners Bay claimed fourth position on the ladder with a 17.16 (118) to 7.5 (47) win over a depleted Cardiff outfit.

Nelson Bay defeated Killarney Vale 14.16 (100) to 10.14 (74).

However, due to Warners Bay’s win, Nelson Bay have missed the finals by one win for the second consecutive year.

In first division, Newcastle City warmed up for this week’s second semi-final with a 31-point win over Terrigal Avoca.

The win, however, failed to prevent the Panthers from claiming the minor premiership. Singleton continued their impressive end-of-season form with an upset win over third-placed Maitland.

In other matches, Warners Bay proved too strong for Cardiff in a dour affair and Wyong Lakes overcame Lake Macquarie.

Terrigal Avoca will enter the finals in a confident frame of mind with a win over minor premiers Newcastle City.

The Entrance Bateau Bay defeated Killarney Vale; Muswellbrook ended their season with a win over Nelson Bay whilst Cardiff overcame Warners Bay.