Local Rugby League Wrap: Major Newcastle RL headlines on King’s Birthday weekend

As a familiar face returned to the top of Newcastle, upsets, tight finishes and a last-ditch field goal capped off the most enthralling round of the Denton Cup to date. Catch up on the weekend latest.

Cameron Anderson scored a double as Central Newcastle hit back in style. Picture: Sue Graham

As most competitions took a weekend off due to the King’s Birthday, Newcastle’s Denton Cup pushed on.

In turn it delivered a mix of upsets and thrilling finishes in an enthralling round eight.

Here’s how it all panned out:

NEWCASTLE

Central Newcastle continued its good recent form, claiming the scalp of Kurri Kurri on the road to the tune of 30-18.

The Bulldogs were in danger of being shut-out in the first half as the Butcher Boys raced out to an 18-0 lead, before Matt Woolnough lobbed a pass over t he top to Logan Sipple to get them on the board.

It did little to turn the momentum, with a Tyrone Nean burst down the sideline setting up Travhon Lemalama for his second just minutes into the second half.

Cameron Anderson also had a double as they made it two wins from their last three outings.

Maitland is back in top spot following a 31-20 victory over Lakes United at Cahill Oval.

The Pickers came into the contest winless from their past two outings, and conceded first points before clicking into gear with four-straight tries to lead 22-4 at the break.

The highlight was their second, with a Brock Lamb grubber pounced upon by Jye Bieman-King in the corner.

Lakes United fought hard on the back of a Matthew Cooper hat-trick, bringing it back to 26-20, before Lamb sealed the result in the closing stages with a field goal.

A field goal was all that separated The Entrance and Western Suburbs, with the Tigers prevailing 25-24 in a thriller on the Central Coast.

The two sides went back-and-forth throughout the first half to go into the sheds 12-all, before Pat Achurch scored twice for the Rosellas, including a 95m intercept and a spectacular put-down in the corner while being pushed over the sideline.

Jacek McLaurin made the move from the NRRRL to The Entrance this year. Picture: DC Sports Photography

The Entrance got one back, and they levelled it up with seven to play after Jacek McLaurin toed ahead a loose ball, with the bounce falling the way of Grant Nelson.

A high shot gave Nicholas Newman the chance to take the lead for the Tigers with a shot at goal from 35m out, only to be waved away.

A contentious dropped ball call on Kevin Naiqama gave the home side one last chance, and Tony Pellow took it with open arms, slotting a one-pointer to take the win.

South Newcastle was able to edge out Cessnock 22-20 in a battle of the contenders.

The Lions played from in front and controlled the running with a 16-0 halftime advantage.

Even at 22-4 early in the second half they looked to be in full control, before the Goannas struck three times in 11 minutes to get back within two.

They couldn’t land the decisive blow however.

Max Buderus scored a double for Wyong as they claimed a crucial 34-22 win over Macquarie at Morry Breen Oval.

The Roos played from the front and were never headed at any stage as they improved into fifth spot on the ladder.

Dean Morris and Randall Briggs both scored twice for the visitors.

STANDINGS: Maitland 11, Wests 10, Souths 10, Cessnock 10, Wyong 9, Lakes United 8, The Entrance 8, Kurri Kurri 8, Macquarie 6, Central 4, Northern Hawks 2