Dora Creek has overcome a sustained attack on their tryline to repel a fired-up Fingal Bay and then score a late try to win a thrilling Newcastle and Hunter Rugby League A-grade match at Fingal Bay Oval on Saturday.
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The 24-16 win secured top spot on the competition ladder for the unbeaten Swampies. It also spoiled the party for the previously unbeaten Fingal Bay who were honouring their Old Boys in front of a big home crowd.
Dora Creek coach David Hoban said it was a resolute defensive effort late in the second half that got the Swampies home.
"With six minutes to go and us leading 18-16, Fingal Bay got a penalty right in front 30 metres out and decided not to take the kick for goal and instead run the ball," Hoban said.
"If you were ever going to see a team roll their sleeves up and be gritty then you saw that from Dora Creek in the final minutes. Fingal Bay had six or seven sets at our line to try and score to win the match, but we just kept turning up for each other when the game was on the line and held them out."
With two minutes remaining on the clock, Dora Creek found the energy to march up field and score the clincher when Brendan Quigg crossed to finish a good shift to the right edge. Earlier, centre Scott Fitzpatrick, pivot Brad Clark, winger Tom Patullo, and second-rower Quigg had scored tries for Dora Creek.
Dora Creek will host Belmont Souths at Neville Thompson Oval this Saturday, May 18, at 3pm.