The Kurri Kurri Bulldogs produced a stunning upset to account for the Western Suburbs Rosellas 14-4 at Harker Oval on Sunday.

The triumph also marked Aaron Watts’ first as coach in the Tooheys Newcastle Rugby League (Real NRL) competition.

The Bulldogs led 4-0 early through young gun Brodie Linnane, before the Rosellas drew level at 4-all, via winger Malu Fiu.

However, Kurri Kurri not only responded to the challenge, they lifted their intensity as well.

With Harry Duggan, Brodie Linnane and Jesse Wighton touching down, the visitors soon hit the front again – and defended strongly – to claim the spoils.

Twenty-four hours earlier, the Lakes United Seagulls captured an 18-16 thriller over the Wyong Roos on the Central Coast.

Halfback Jack Kelly led the way with a try and three goals for a personal haul of 10 points.

Mentor Ian Bourke said he was “super proud” of the boys.

“Before the match, I told them we needed it [a win],” he explained.

“And, they responded really well [today].

“It was a real team effort.

“Everyone across the board put their hand up.”

The Maitland Pickers flexed its collective muscle to overpower The Entrance Tigers 38-12 at Maitland No 1 Sportsground.

For the second consecutive week, winger and players’ player James Bradley secured a hat-trick – all in the opening half.

The Pickers went to the break ahead 26-4 on the back of Bradley’s treble, with Peter Wilson and Matt Soper-Lawler also diving over.

Gary Anderson and Perry Le Brocque added their names to the tryscoring list after oranges.

A highlight, however, was debutant Ethan Edwards kicking a conversion on the full-time siren.

Maitland coach Matt Lantry admitted the side’s performance was “patchy”.

“I thought we scored some nice tries but our error rate was way too high for first grade standard,” he said.

“We couldn’t string back-to-back sets together [in the second 40] and we’re lacking a bit of flair in our game at the moment.

“They’re a couple of things we need to work on.”

Ryan McDonald snared a double for the Tigers, with Zac Mackay crossing the line, too.

After two washouts, the South Newcastle Lions had double cause for celebration at Townson Oval.

The club not only commemorated Sleapy’s Day in style but upset the Central Newcastle Butcher Boys 36-22.

Over at the Cessnock Sports Ground, the Macquarie Scorpions accounted for the hosts 20-10.

The visitors led 10-4, courtesy of tries to Kurt Aldridge and centre Royce Geoffrey, plus a goal to Kerrod Holland.

It was more of the same after the interval, with Aldridge bagging another and winger Callan Briggs leaping high to touch down in the corner.

The Goannas’ points came from Jayden Young and Joshua Cagney, with Kendyll Fahey landing one conversion.

2022 Tooheys Newcastle Rugby League (Real NRL)

Denton Engineering Cup

Round three results:

• Kurri Kurri Bulldogs d Western Suburbs Rosellas 14-4
• Lakes United Seagulls d Wyong Roos 18-16
• Maitland Pickers d The Entrance Tigers 38-12
• Macquarie Scorpions d Cessnock Goannas 20-10
• South Newcastle Lions d Central Newcastle Butcher Boys 36-12

Round four draw:

Thursday 14 April

• 8pm: Cessnock Goannas v Kurri Kurri Bulldogs (Cessnock Sports Ground)

Friday 15 April

• 3pm: The Entrance Tigers v Macquarie Scorpions (EDSACC Oval North)
• 3pm: South Newcastle Lions v Wyong Roos (Townson Oval)

Saturday 16 April

• 3pm: Lakes United Seagulls v Maitland Pickers (Cahill Oval)
• 3pm: Central Newcastle Butcher Boys v Western Suburbs Rosellas (St John Oval)

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