Are the NEWRL finals teams already locked in? Can Central charge home? Will the upsets continue?
Can one of the surprise improvers in Macquarie and Kurri Kurri shake things up with a few more upsets?
Will injuries cruel a side's chances on the run home?
They're some of the questions as most teams in the men's first-grade competition enter the back half of their campaigns this weekend.
As it stands, South Newcastle (14 points), Wyong (13), Maitland (13), Wests (12) and The Entrance (12) make up the top five, and overall, they have all looked better than the rest.
Sixth-placed Cessnock (10) have been too inconsistent, Lakes (8) and Central (8) - who sit ninth and 10th - haven't quite lived up to expectations, while Macquarie (10) and Kurri Kurri (10) - in seventh and eighth - have done better than expected. Northern Hawks (2) remain without a win.
Competition leaders Souths, and Cessnock, are the only teams to have played nine games in what is a 16-match regular season for every team. Every other side has played eight, apart from Central and Macquarie who have played seven.
But only six points separate the sides placed first to 10th.
"It's probably a good reflection that the points system is actually starting to kick in now a few years after its introduction," Central coach Adam Bettridge said on Friday.
"It's levelled the comp out really well, and that's a credit to Newcastle Rugby League and everyone else.
"It's the hardest and most consistent comp I've seen in a long time. It's good for the game and ... good footy weekly, which is the main thing."
Last year's grand finalists, Central are second last after three wins and four losses. But their position isn't totally reflective of how they've started.
"Not at all," Bettridge said. "We've played Wests twice, we've played Maitland twice ... we had a tough start to the year, but we've been in every game bar one. I'm very happy with where the squad is at."
Only four points, or two wins, outside the top five, that gap could really widen if Central lose a few, or close quickly if they win a few, in their next block of games. Lakes, who are 3-5 this season but one spot ahead, are similarly placed.
Central have five games before their next bye, four of which are home games. But their next three are in the space of eight days.
After Sunday's clash with Macquarie (seventh), they host Wyong (second) on Wednesday night and then Lakes (ninth) next Sunday. An away game against Souths (first) is followed by another home match against Cessnock (sixth) on consecutive Sundays. It's a month that could determine their campaign.
Central won six of their last nine to storm into third last season, and Bettridge remains confident they can be in contention for the finals this year.
"With the way the ladder is at the moment, with a lot of teams beating each other, there's a very big opportunity if you string some games together, you can move up the ladder pretty quick," he said. "We've just got to keep focused on ourselves and keep winning.
"If we can stay injury-free and get a fair crack at it, I think we can ... go on a bit of a run. But we can't look past this next week."
Coming off a 22-14 win over defending premiers Maitland last week, Central have lost forward Ethan Campbell for their next two matches after he accepted a ban for a crusher tackle, but are otherwise full strength. Playmaker Steven Dengate (wrist) remains sidelined.
Macquarie enter the 3.15pm match fresh from a bye.
In other Sunday games, all at 3pm, Wests host Souths at Harker Oval, Lakes travel to Raymond Terrace to face Northern, and Wyong are at home to The Entrance in the second Central Coast derby for the year. On Saturday, Maitland host Kurri Kurri at 3pm.
Are the Newcastle Rugby League finals teams already locked in, or will the likes of Lakes or Central charge into the top five?
Can one of the surprise improvers in Macquarie and Kurri Kurri shake things up with a few more upsets?
Will injuries cruel a side's chances on the run home?
They're some of the questions as most teams in the men's first-grade competition enter the back half of their campaigns this weekend.
As it stands, South Newcastle (14 points), Wyong (13), Maitland (13), Wests (12) and The Entrance (12) make up the top five, and overall, they have all looked better than the rest.
Sixth-placed Cessnock (10) have been too inconsistent, Lakes (8) and Central (8) - who sit ninth and 10th - haven't quite lived up to expectations, while Macquarie (10) and Kurri Kurri (10) - in seventh and eighth - have done better than expected. Northern Hawks (2) remain without a win.
Competition leaders Souths, and Cessnock, are the only teams to have played nine games in what is a 16-match regular season for every team. Every other side has played eight, apart from Central and Macquarie who have played seven.
But only six points separate the sides placed first to 10th.
"It's probably a good reflection that the points system is actually starting to kick in now a few years after its introduction," Central coach Adam Bettridge said on Friday.
"It's levelled the comp out really well, and that's a credit to Newcastle Rugby League and everyone else.
"It's the hardest and most consistent comp I've seen in a long time. It's good for the game and ... good footy weekly, which is the main thing."
Last year's grand finalists, Central are second last after three wins and four losses. But their position isn't totally reflective of how they've started.
"Not at all," Bettridge said. "We've played Wests twice, we've played Maitland twice ... we had a tough start to the year, but we've been in every game bar one. I'm very happy with where the squad is at."
Only four points, or two wins, outside the top five, that gap could really widen if Central lose a few, or close quickly if they win a few, in their next block of games. Lakes, who are 3-5 this season but one spot ahead, are similarly placed.
Central have five games before their next bye, four of which are home games. But their next three are in the space of eight days.
After Sunday's clash with Macquarie (seventh), they host Wyong (second) on Wednesday night and then Lakes (ninth) next Sunday. An away game against Souths (first) is followed by another home match against Cessnock (sixth) on consecutive Sundays. It's a month that could determine their campaign.
Central won six of their last nine to storm into third last season, and Bettridge remains confident they can be in contention for the finals this year.
"With the way the ladder is at the moment, with a lot of teams beating each other, there's a very big opportunity if you string some games together, you can move up the ladder pretty quick," he said. "We've just got to keep focused on ourselves and keep winning.
"If we can stay injury-free and get a fair crack at it, I think we can ... go on a bit of a run. But we can't look past this next week."
Coming off a 22-14 win over defending premiers Maitland last week, Central have lost forward Ethan Campbell for their next two matches after he accepted a ban for a crusher tackle, but are otherwise full strength. Playmaker Steven Dengate (wrist) remains sidelined.
Macquarie enter the 3.15pm match fresh from a bye.
In other Sunday games, all at 3pm, Wests host Souths at Harker Oval, Lakes travel to Raymond Terrace to face Northern, and Wyong are at home to The Entrance in the second Central Coast derby for the year. On Saturday, Maitland host Kurri Kurri at 3pm.
Are the Newcastle Rugby League finals teams already locked in, or will the likes of Lakes or Central charge into the top five?
Can one of the surprise improvers in Macquarie and Kurri Kurri shake things up with a few more upsets?
Will injuries cruel a side's chances on the run home?
They're some of the questions as most teams in the men's first-grade competition enter the back half of their campaigns this weekend.
As it stands, South Newcastle (14 points), Wyong (13), Maitland (13), Wests (12) and The Entrance (12) make up the top five, and overall, they have all looked better than the rest.
Sixth-placed Cessnock (10) have been too inconsistent, Lakes (8) and Central (8) - who sit ninth and 10th - haven't quite lived up to expectations, while Macquarie (10) and Kurri Kurri (10) - in seventh and eighth - have done better than expected. Northern Hawks (2) remain without a win.
Competition leaders Souths, and Cessnock, are the only teams to have played nine games in what is a 16-match regular season for every team. Every other side has played eight, apart from Central and Macquarie who have played seven.
But only six points separate the sides placed first to 10th.
"It's probably a good reflection that the points system is actually starting to kick in now a few years after its introduction," Central coach Adam Bettridge said on Friday.
"It's levelled the comp out really well, and that's a credit to Newcastle Rugby League and everyone else.
"It's the hardest and most consistent comp I've seen in a long time. It's good for the game and ... good footy weekly, which is the main thing."
Last year's grand finalists, Central are second last after three wins and four losses. But their position isn't totally reflective of how they've started.
"Not at all," Bettridge said. "We've played Wests twice, we've played Maitland twice ... we had a tough start to the year, but we've been in every game bar one. I'm very happy with where the squad is at."
Only four points, or two wins, outside the top five, that gap could really widen if Central lose a few, or close quickly if they win a few, in their next block of games. Lakes, who are 3-5 this season but one spot ahead, are similarly placed.
Central have five games before their next bye, four of which are home games. But their next three are in the space of eight days.
After Sunday's clash with Macquarie (seventh), they host Wyong (second) on Wednesday night and then Lakes (ninth) next Sunday. An away game against Souths (first) is followed by another home match against Cessnock (sixth) on consecutive Sundays. It's a month that could determine their campaign.
Central won six of their last nine to storm into third last season, and Bettridge remains confident they can be in contention for the finals this year.
"With the way the ladder is at the moment, with a lot of teams beating each other, there's a very big opportunity if you string some games together, you can move up the ladder pretty quick," he said. "We've just got to keep focused on ourselves and keep winning.
"If we can stay injury-free and get a fair crack at it, I think we can ... go on a bit of a run. But we can't look past this next week."
Coming off a 22-14 win over defending premiers Maitland last week, Central have lost forward Ethan Campbell for their next two matches after he accepted a ban for a crusher tackle, but are otherwise full strength. Playmaker Steven Dengate (wrist) remains sidelined.
Macquarie enter the 3.15pm match fresh from a bye.
In other Sunday games, all at 3pm, Wests host Souths at Harker Oval, Lakes travel to Raymond Terrace to face Northern, and Wyong are at home to The Entrance in the second Central Coast derby for the year. On Saturday, Maitland host Kurri Kurri at 3pm.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Advertiser
a day ago
- The Advertiser
Newcastle RL finals race tightens as Maitland win fifth-straight minor premiership
Maitland are home and hosed, that's what we know. Cessnock and The Entrance are a step closer to finals, shoring up their spots in Newcastle Rugby League's top five with wins on Sunday. The big losers in the finals race at the weekend, however, were Souths, Central and Wyong. Early-season front-runners Wyong have slipped to fourth, after suffering their third loss in four games. They lost to Cessnock 16-12 in a scrappy affair at Morry Breen Oval on Sunday. Missing two of their best players in injured duo Luke Huth and Brayden Musgrove, Cessnock produced a gritty performance to notch their fifth consecutive win. After looking in danger of missing the finals little more than a month ago, they are now second. But only a better for-and-against record is keeping them ahead of third-placed The Entrance, who beat Central 20-18 in a topsy-turvy contest at EDSACC Oval on Sunday. That result has left Central, last year's grand finalists, likely requiring three wins in their remaining three games to make the play-offs. They meet Lakes (away) on Wednesday night, before Northern Hawks (home) and Cessnock (away) over the following two weekends. Complicating who might finish where is the fact Cessnock host The Entrance next weekend, and Wests' match against Lakes was postponed on Sunday. Wests were third prior to the weekend but are now fifth. However, they have a game in hand on both Cessnock and The Entrance, and are a win ahead of Central and Souths. Competition-leaders Maitland secured their place in the finals and an historic fifth consecutive minor premiership on Saturday, all but ending South Newcastle's finals hopes with a 24-10 win at Townson Oval. Playing in front of more than 2000 fans on Sleapy's Day, a Souths' charity initiative, the Pickers came from 10-0 down to defeat the home side, scoring five unanswered tries. Trailing 10-6 heading into the second half, the visitors drew level seven minutes after the break and crossed for a further two tries before the 60th minute to take a commanding 14-point lead in muddy conditions. They held on to claim their sixth victory in a row and extend a lengthy winning streak over Souths in recent years. Souths would need to win their next two games, against Wyong and The Entrance, and have a string of highly-unlikely results fall their way to be a chance for the top five. In the other Sunday game, Kurri Kurri beat Macquarie 32-8 at Toronto to improve their record, but the competition's big improvers are in an even worse position than Souths despite moving to the same amount of points on the ladder. They have a terrible for-and-against and face Maitland in the last round after a bye. Returning from injury on Saturday, five-eighth Chad O'Donnell was on song for Maitland, who are now on track to claim an historic fourth-straight premiership. Jye Bieman-King, Luke Knight, Callan Burgess and Justin Norris were Maitland's try-scorers, while Tori Freeman-Quay and Tate Grainger crossed for Souths. Pickers coach Matt Lantry said he expected to be without versatile back James Bradley in coming games. "Miss a couple of weeks, a minor quad tear," he said. "We don't want to take any risks there, unlikely to play on the weekend but maybe in the last round." Maitland now move on to their old boys' day, and last home game for the regular season, against third-placed Wests on Saturday. POINTS TABLE: Maitland (27), Cessnock, The Entrance (22) Wyong (21), Wests (20), Souths, Central, Kurri (18), Macquarie (12), Lakes (10), Northern (2). Maitland are home and hosed, that's what we know. Cessnock and The Entrance are a step closer to finals, shoring up their spots in Newcastle Rugby League's top five with wins on Sunday. The big losers in the finals race at the weekend, however, were Souths, Central and Wyong. Early-season front-runners Wyong have slipped to fourth, after suffering their third loss in four games. They lost to Cessnock 16-12 in a scrappy affair at Morry Breen Oval on Sunday. Missing two of their best players in injured duo Luke Huth and Brayden Musgrove, Cessnock produced a gritty performance to notch their fifth consecutive win. After looking in danger of missing the finals little more than a month ago, they are now second. But only a better for-and-against record is keeping them ahead of third-placed The Entrance, who beat Central 20-18 in a topsy-turvy contest at EDSACC Oval on Sunday. That result has left Central, last year's grand finalists, likely requiring three wins in their remaining three games to make the play-offs. They meet Lakes (away) on Wednesday night, before Northern Hawks (home) and Cessnock (away) over the following two weekends. Complicating who might finish where is the fact Cessnock host The Entrance next weekend, and Wests' match against Lakes was postponed on Sunday. Wests were third prior to the weekend but are now fifth. However, they have a game in hand on both Cessnock and The Entrance, and are a win ahead of Central and Souths. Competition-leaders Maitland secured their place in the finals and an historic fifth consecutive minor premiership on Saturday, all but ending South Newcastle's finals hopes with a 24-10 win at Townson Oval. Playing in front of more than 2000 fans on Sleapy's Day, a Souths' charity initiative, the Pickers came from 10-0 down to defeat the home side, scoring five unanswered tries. Trailing 10-6 heading into the second half, the visitors drew level seven minutes after the break and crossed for a further two tries before the 60th minute to take a commanding 14-point lead in muddy conditions. They held on to claim their sixth victory in a row and extend a lengthy winning streak over Souths in recent years. Souths would need to win their next two games, against Wyong and The Entrance, and have a string of highly-unlikely results fall their way to be a chance for the top five. In the other Sunday game, Kurri Kurri beat Macquarie 32-8 at Toronto to improve their record, but the competition's big improvers are in an even worse position than Souths despite moving to the same amount of points on the ladder. They have a terrible for-and-against and face Maitland in the last round after a bye. Returning from injury on Saturday, five-eighth Chad O'Donnell was on song for Maitland, who are now on track to claim an historic fourth-straight premiership. Jye Bieman-King, Luke Knight, Callan Burgess and Justin Norris were Maitland's try-scorers, while Tori Freeman-Quay and Tate Grainger crossed for Souths. Pickers coach Matt Lantry said he expected to be without versatile back James Bradley in coming games. "Miss a couple of weeks, a minor quad tear," he said. "We don't want to take any risks there, unlikely to play on the weekend but maybe in the last round." Maitland now move on to their old boys' day, and last home game for the regular season, against third-placed Wests on Saturday. POINTS TABLE: Maitland (27), Cessnock, The Entrance (22) Wyong (21), Wests (20), Souths, Central, Kurri (18), Macquarie (12), Lakes (10), Northern (2). Maitland are home and hosed, that's what we know. Cessnock and The Entrance are a step closer to finals, shoring up their spots in Newcastle Rugby League's top five with wins on Sunday. The big losers in the finals race at the weekend, however, were Souths, Central and Wyong. Early-season front-runners Wyong have slipped to fourth, after suffering their third loss in four games. They lost to Cessnock 16-12 in a scrappy affair at Morry Breen Oval on Sunday. Missing two of their best players in injured duo Luke Huth and Brayden Musgrove, Cessnock produced a gritty performance to notch their fifth consecutive win. After looking in danger of missing the finals little more than a month ago, they are now second. But only a better for-and-against record is keeping them ahead of third-placed The Entrance, who beat Central 20-18 in a topsy-turvy contest at EDSACC Oval on Sunday. That result has left Central, last year's grand finalists, likely requiring three wins in their remaining three games to make the play-offs. They meet Lakes (away) on Wednesday night, before Northern Hawks (home) and Cessnock (away) over the following two weekends. Complicating who might finish where is the fact Cessnock host The Entrance next weekend, and Wests' match against Lakes was postponed on Sunday. Wests were third prior to the weekend but are now fifth. However, they have a game in hand on both Cessnock and The Entrance, and are a win ahead of Central and Souths. Competition-leaders Maitland secured their place in the finals and an historic fifth consecutive minor premiership on Saturday, all but ending South Newcastle's finals hopes with a 24-10 win at Townson Oval. Playing in front of more than 2000 fans on Sleapy's Day, a Souths' charity initiative, the Pickers came from 10-0 down to defeat the home side, scoring five unanswered tries. Trailing 10-6 heading into the second half, the visitors drew level seven minutes after the break and crossed for a further two tries before the 60th minute to take a commanding 14-point lead in muddy conditions. They held on to claim their sixth victory in a row and extend a lengthy winning streak over Souths in recent years. Souths would need to win their next two games, against Wyong and The Entrance, and have a string of highly-unlikely results fall their way to be a chance for the top five. In the other Sunday game, Kurri Kurri beat Macquarie 32-8 at Toronto to improve their record, but the competition's big improvers are in an even worse position than Souths despite moving to the same amount of points on the ladder. They have a terrible for-and-against and face Maitland in the last round after a bye. Returning from injury on Saturday, five-eighth Chad O'Donnell was on song for Maitland, who are now on track to claim an historic fourth-straight premiership. Jye Bieman-King, Luke Knight, Callan Burgess and Justin Norris were Maitland's try-scorers, while Tori Freeman-Quay and Tate Grainger crossed for Souths. Pickers coach Matt Lantry said he expected to be without versatile back James Bradley in coming games. "Miss a couple of weeks, a minor quad tear," he said. "We don't want to take any risks there, unlikely to play on the weekend but maybe in the last round." Maitland now move on to their old boys' day, and last home game for the regular season, against third-placed Wests on Saturday. POINTS TABLE: Maitland (27), Cessnock, The Entrance (22) Wyong (21), Wests (20), Souths, Central, Kurri (18), Macquarie (12), Lakes (10), Northern (2). Maitland are home and hosed, that's what we know. Cessnock and The Entrance are a step closer to finals, shoring up their spots in Newcastle Rugby League's top five with wins on Sunday. The big losers in the finals race at the weekend, however, were Souths, Central and Wyong. Early-season front-runners Wyong have slipped to fourth, after suffering their third loss in four games. They lost to Cessnock 16-12 in a scrappy affair at Morry Breen Oval on Sunday. Missing two of their best players in injured duo Luke Huth and Brayden Musgrove, Cessnock produced a gritty performance to notch their fifth consecutive win. After looking in danger of missing the finals little more than a month ago, they are now second. But only a better for-and-against record is keeping them ahead of third-placed The Entrance, who beat Central 20-18 in a topsy-turvy contest at EDSACC Oval on Sunday. That result has left Central, last year's grand finalists, likely requiring three wins in their remaining three games to make the play-offs. They meet Lakes (away) on Wednesday night, before Northern Hawks (home) and Cessnock (away) over the following two weekends. Complicating who might finish where is the fact Cessnock host The Entrance next weekend, and Wests' match against Lakes was postponed on Sunday. Wests were third prior to the weekend but are now fifth. However, they have a game in hand on both Cessnock and The Entrance, and are a win ahead of Central and Souths. Competition-leaders Maitland secured their place in the finals and an historic fifth consecutive minor premiership on Saturday, all but ending South Newcastle's finals hopes with a 24-10 win at Townson Oval. Playing in front of more than 2000 fans on Sleapy's Day, a Souths' charity initiative, the Pickers came from 10-0 down to defeat the home side, scoring five unanswered tries. Trailing 10-6 heading into the second half, the visitors drew level seven minutes after the break and crossed for a further two tries before the 60th minute to take a commanding 14-point lead in muddy conditions. They held on to claim their sixth victory in a row and extend a lengthy winning streak over Souths in recent years. Souths would need to win their next two games, against Wyong and The Entrance, and have a string of highly-unlikely results fall their way to be a chance for the top five. In the other Sunday game, Kurri Kurri beat Macquarie 32-8 at Toronto to improve their record, but the competition's big improvers are in an even worse position than Souths despite moving to the same amount of points on the ladder. They have a terrible for-and-against and face Maitland in the last round after a bye. Returning from injury on Saturday, five-eighth Chad O'Donnell was on song for Maitland, who are now on track to claim an historic fourth-straight premiership. Jye Bieman-King, Luke Knight, Callan Burgess and Justin Norris were Maitland's try-scorers, while Tori Freeman-Quay and Tate Grainger crossed for Souths. Pickers coach Matt Lantry said he expected to be without versatile back James Bradley in coming games. "Miss a couple of weeks, a minor quad tear," he said. "We don't want to take any risks there, unlikely to play on the weekend but maybe in the last round." Maitland now move on to their old boys' day, and last home game for the regular season, against third-placed Wests on Saturday. POINTS TABLE: Maitland (27), Cessnock, The Entrance (22) Wyong (21), Wests (20), Souths, Central, Kurri (18), Macquarie (12), Lakes (10), Northern (2).
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- The Advertiser
Maitland all but seal fifth-straight NEWRL minor title with Sleapy's Day win over Souths
Maitland have all but sealed a fifth consecutive minor premiership after defeating South Newcastle 24-10 at Townson Oval on Saturday. The Pickers, notching their sixth consecutive win, overcame the Lions in front of more than 2000 supporters on a boggy pitch during the Merewether club's annual charity event, Sleapy's Day. Souths had shot out to a 10-0 lead in the first half and looked the better side until Maitland hit back a few minutes before half-time. Trailing 10-6, the visitors drew level seven minutes after the break and crossed for a further two tries before the 60th minute to take a commanding 14-point lead in muddy conditions. They held on to claim their sixth victory in a row and one of several they've had over Souths in recent years. It moved them six points clear at the top of the Newcastle Rugby League ladder, ahead of second-placed Wyong who are now only a highly-unlikely mathematical chance of stopping Maitland from claiming a fifth-straight minor title. Maitland would have to lose their two remaining games by significant margins, and Wyong win their next three in similar fashion, to overturn a more than 100-point difference in their for-and-against results. Five-eighth Chad O'Donnell returned from injury and was on song Maitland, who are now on track to claim an historic four-straight title. Jye Bieman-King, Luke Knight, Callan Burgess and Justin Norris were the Pickers' try-scorers, while Tori Freeman-Quay and Tate Grainger crossed for Souths. The Lions' finals hopes will now likely hinge other results. They are sixth ahead of Sunday's games with two matches left to play in coming weeks. They host Wyong next week before travelling to fifth-placed The Entrance in the last round. In other games this weekend, all at 3pm on Sunday, Lakes are at home to Wests, Central travel to The Entrance, Macquarie welcome Kurri Kurri and Cessnock make the trip to Wyong. Central and Lakes' catch-up game scheduled for last Tuesday was postponed to the coming week. POINTS TABLE: Maitland (27), Wyong (21), Wests, Cessnock, The Entrance (20), Souths, Central (18), Kurri (16), Macquarie (12), Lakes (10), Northern (2). Maitland have all but sealed a fifth consecutive minor premiership after defeating South Newcastle 24-10 at Townson Oval on Saturday. The Pickers, notching their sixth consecutive win, overcame the Lions in front of more than 2000 supporters on a boggy pitch during the Merewether club's annual charity event, Sleapy's Day. Souths had shot out to a 10-0 lead in the first half and looked the better side until Maitland hit back a few minutes before half-time. Trailing 10-6, the visitors drew level seven minutes after the break and crossed for a further two tries before the 60th minute to take a commanding 14-point lead in muddy conditions. They held on to claim their sixth victory in a row and one of several they've had over Souths in recent years. It moved them six points clear at the top of the Newcastle Rugby League ladder, ahead of second-placed Wyong who are now only a highly-unlikely mathematical chance of stopping Maitland from claiming a fifth-straight minor title. Maitland would have to lose their two remaining games by significant margins, and Wyong win their next three in similar fashion, to overturn a more than 100-point difference in their for-and-against results. Five-eighth Chad O'Donnell returned from injury and was on song Maitland, who are now on track to claim an historic four-straight title. Jye Bieman-King, Luke Knight, Callan Burgess and Justin Norris were the Pickers' try-scorers, while Tori Freeman-Quay and Tate Grainger crossed for Souths. The Lions' finals hopes will now likely hinge other results. They are sixth ahead of Sunday's games with two matches left to play in coming weeks. They host Wyong next week before travelling to fifth-placed The Entrance in the last round. In other games this weekend, all at 3pm on Sunday, Lakes are at home to Wests, Central travel to The Entrance, Macquarie welcome Kurri Kurri and Cessnock make the trip to Wyong. Central and Lakes' catch-up game scheduled for last Tuesday was postponed to the coming week. POINTS TABLE: Maitland (27), Wyong (21), Wests, Cessnock, The Entrance (20), Souths, Central (18), Kurri (16), Macquarie (12), Lakes (10), Northern (2). Maitland have all but sealed a fifth consecutive minor premiership after defeating South Newcastle 24-10 at Townson Oval on Saturday. The Pickers, notching their sixth consecutive win, overcame the Lions in front of more than 2000 supporters on a boggy pitch during the Merewether club's annual charity event, Sleapy's Day. Souths had shot out to a 10-0 lead in the first half and looked the better side until Maitland hit back a few minutes before half-time. Trailing 10-6, the visitors drew level seven minutes after the break and crossed for a further two tries before the 60th minute to take a commanding 14-point lead in muddy conditions. They held on to claim their sixth victory in a row and one of several they've had over Souths in recent years. It moved them six points clear at the top of the Newcastle Rugby League ladder, ahead of second-placed Wyong who are now only a highly-unlikely mathematical chance of stopping Maitland from claiming a fifth-straight minor title. Maitland would have to lose their two remaining games by significant margins, and Wyong win their next three in similar fashion, to overturn a more than 100-point difference in their for-and-against results. Five-eighth Chad O'Donnell returned from injury and was on song Maitland, who are now on track to claim an historic four-straight title. Jye Bieman-King, Luke Knight, Callan Burgess and Justin Norris were the Pickers' try-scorers, while Tori Freeman-Quay and Tate Grainger crossed for Souths. The Lions' finals hopes will now likely hinge other results. They are sixth ahead of Sunday's games with two matches left to play in coming weeks. They host Wyong next week before travelling to fifth-placed The Entrance in the last round. In other games this weekend, all at 3pm on Sunday, Lakes are at home to Wests, Central travel to The Entrance, Macquarie welcome Kurri Kurri and Cessnock make the trip to Wyong. Central and Lakes' catch-up game scheduled for last Tuesday was postponed to the coming week. POINTS TABLE: Maitland (27), Wyong (21), Wests, Cessnock, The Entrance (20), Souths, Central (18), Kurri (16), Macquarie (12), Lakes (10), Northern (2). Maitland have all but sealed a fifth consecutive minor premiership after defeating South Newcastle 24-10 at Townson Oval on Saturday. The Pickers, notching their sixth consecutive win, overcame the Lions in front of more than 2000 supporters on a boggy pitch during the Merewether club's annual charity event, Sleapy's Day. Souths had shot out to a 10-0 lead in the first half and looked the better side until Maitland hit back a few minutes before half-time. Trailing 10-6, the visitors drew level seven minutes after the break and crossed for a further two tries before the 60th minute to take a commanding 14-point lead in muddy conditions. They held on to claim their sixth victory in a row and one of several they've had over Souths in recent years. It moved them six points clear at the top of the Newcastle Rugby League ladder, ahead of second-placed Wyong who are now only a highly-unlikely mathematical chance of stopping Maitland from claiming a fifth-straight minor title. Maitland would have to lose their two remaining games by significant margins, and Wyong win their next three in similar fashion, to overturn a more than 100-point difference in their for-and-against results. Five-eighth Chad O'Donnell returned from injury and was on song Maitland, who are now on track to claim an historic four-straight title. Jye Bieman-King, Luke Knight, Callan Burgess and Justin Norris were the Pickers' try-scorers, while Tori Freeman-Quay and Tate Grainger crossed for Souths. The Lions' finals hopes will now likely hinge other results. They are sixth ahead of Sunday's games with two matches left to play in coming weeks. They host Wyong next week before travelling to fifth-placed The Entrance in the last round. In other games this weekend, all at 3pm on Sunday, Lakes are at home to Wests, Central travel to The Entrance, Macquarie welcome Kurri Kurri and Cessnock make the trip to Wyong. Central and Lakes' catch-up game scheduled for last Tuesday was postponed to the coming week. POINTS TABLE: Maitland (27), Wyong (21), Wests, Cessnock, The Entrance (20), Souths, Central (18), Kurri (16), Macquarie (12), Lakes (10), Northern (2).
The Australian
6 days ago
- The Australian
Ex-Godolphin assistant can emulate former boss James Cummings
Ex-Godolphin assistant Nacim Dilmi will be eager to emulate a feat of his long-time boss James Cummings when he begins his first foray into training at Canterbury Park on Wednesday. 'James' first runner when he and Bart (Cummings) went into partnership was a winner, then when Bart passed away his first runner was a winner then his first runner at Godolphin was a winner,' Dilmi said. 'I spoke to James on Monday and told him I will try to do the same.' Dilmi is the latest Godolphin product to begin the next phase of his racing journey as new head trainer for Domeland on the Central Coast. The French-born horseman was announced as the replacement for Sara Ryan late last month and has moved to Wyong after several years heading up Godolphin's Melbourne operation. Domeland has 35 boxes at Wyong racecourse and a 260-acre Kulnura property that features a 3000m grass track. READ: Japan stint has jet-setting Dee primed to sprinkle some spring 'magic' 'Sara has been here for a few years now and Tuesday was actually my second day,' Dilmi said. 'If the horses go well on Wednesday, I can't really take much credit because Sara has done most of the work with the horses. 'From what I've seen the horses are in good form and everyone in the stable has been helpful.' Dilmi's first runner as a trainer will be last start Tamworth winner Rebel Rhapsody ($21) in the Keeneland September Yearling Sale Benchmark 64 (1550m). How Much Better ($10) is in the Casino Prince @ Vinery Stud Benchmark 72 Handicap (1550m) while Aix En Provence ($11) contests the Asahi Super Dry Handicap (1900m). He won't have to wait long for a maiden Sydney Saturday runner with Irish import Salt Lake City poised to line up in Saturday's Premier's Cup Prelude (1800m) at Royal Randwick. 'It's a great opportunity and for me to be able to start with horses that are ready to go is handy, walking into a business that is already up and going,' Dilmi said. 'It makes it easier but at the same time I have to make it my own and the changes may take a few weeks. 'If we can adapt and make it a great start to the season, it will be make it better.' Dilmi's former employer Godolphin got their next chapter off to a winning start last weekend when classy mare Amusing scored for new trainer Chris Waller in what was their first runner for a public stable. Horse Racing Trainer Matt Laurie is excited to unleash Caulfield Cup-nominated Group 1 star Treasurethe Moment against Australia's best equine talent in the Melbourne Spring Carnival. Horse Racing Group 1 jockey Michael Dee has a renewed focus this spring following a successful two month stint in Japan.
