Stockton’s win moved them to the top of the Newcastle Hunter Rugby League B Grade ladder.

With two rounds to play, Dora Creek sits three-points adrift of fifth-placed Morisset.

Swampies coach Troy Hobbs said the loss hit hard.

“That was do or die for us,” he said.

Although the Swampies could still sneak into the top five, Hobbs summed up the chances this way: “If we can win our last two games, and a couple of results go our way, you never know… but the rugby league Gods would really have to be on our side.”

Stockton had too many attacking strike weapons across the park.

“It was disappointing from our end, but they’re a pretty good side,” Hobbs said.

The coach praised the efforts of his five-eighth Damien Walters and second-rower Tom Woods.

“Damien has played 200 first grade games for Kurri, so he brings a lot of experience to our team when he plays,” Hobbs said.

Work commitments sometimes prevented the pivot from getting onto the field, he said.

It’s a similar situation for Woods.

“Tom is just a classy player. He’s very tough and he makes a big difference to us when he plays.”

The work rate of Dora Creek hooker Jarrod Jacobs also impressed.

“Jarrod has been playing second-row for us, and he’s just a good all-round player,” Hobbs said.

“He tops the tackle count just about every week, and on Saturday his count was into the 30s again.”

With two rounds to play, Hobbs said he was determined for his team to finish the season strongly.

“I don’t want anyone giving up, and we’ll be out there to win,” he said.

If, as expected, Dora Creek misses the semi-finals, neighbours Morisset could be a dark horse for the title.

Morisset are holding on to fifth spot on the ladder, and Hobbs rates the young Bulls highly.

“They’ve been out strongest opponents this season, and they’ve become our bogey team,” he said.

The ladder: Stockton 25, West Wallsend 24, Fingal Bay 20, Wallsend Maryland 17, Morisset 15, Dudley 14, Dora Creek 12, Raymond Terrace 10.