THE Macquarie Scorpions will go into the Newcastle Rugby League semi-finals with momentum after defeating the Maitland Pickers 42-20 in the last round of the regular season.
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The Kurri Bulldogs beat Cessnock 28-20, which allowed Macquarie to leapfrog Cessnock into third spot on the ladder.
Macquarie coach Barrie Moore said he was ecstatic with the win by the Scorpions and the all-important third spot in the semi-finals.
"The team is building nicely and although a number of players were unavailable at the weekend due to injuries, they were rarely troubled by Maitland, who were very impressive against minor premiers Western Suburb the week before," Moore said.
"I was very impressed by the way all the younger players have stood up over the last few weeks."
Moore was reluctant to single out any players in a very good team performance but was glowing in his praise of the work rate of Blake Gallen and Simon Allen.
Jordan Noble also played well filling in at hooker for Mick Moran who was injured for the game.
This weekend the Scorpions will play Lakes United at Cahill Oval on Sunday, September 6, in a qualifying semi-final.
Moore has emphasised to his team that they will need to step up for the semi-finals and believes they will be ready for the challenge.
Lakes United have narrowly defeated Macquarie in the two games they have faced off in this year.
A win against Lakes United would see the Scorpions play minor premiers Western Suburbs the following week for a spot in the grand final at Hunter Stadium.