DORA Creek Swampies are turning on the hospitality for their annual Old Boys and Sponsors Day at Neville Thompson Oval this Saturday.
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The Swampies will take on Kotara in their Newcastle and Hunter Rugby League A Grade match at 3pm, while the local women’s team, the Swampettes, will take on Awabakal in the curtain-raiser at 2pm.
A feature of the day will be the sponsor’s marquee where, for $25, fans can enjoy refreshments and food in style.
Club secretary Josh Lyden said the Swampies were in third position on the ladder, but with a game in hand.
A win in that deferred game would see Dora Creek jump to equal first on the ladder.
He said the club was still coming to terms with the loss of captain-coach and five-eighth Brad Clark to a knee injury.
In Clark’s absence, Tyler Lee and Zach Brown had been sharing the pivot’s role, Lyden said.
Clark continues to coach the Swampies, but fullback Mitch Kauffman now captains the team.
Lyden said the Swampies had been impressed by Wyong recruit Brendan Quigg, a second-rower who had brought energy and quality to the Dora Creek pack.
“Brendan is a very robust runner, and an excellent defender, who usually plays close to 80 minutes for us,” Lyden said.
The Swampies are expecting a tough clash on Saturday, judging by the result of their first encounter this season.
Dora Creek defeated Kotara in that Round 6 match 22-14.
Ladder: Stockton 14, Shortland 14, Dora Creek 12, Belmont South 8, Raymond Terrace 8, Kotara 6, Fingal Bay 4, Cardiff 2.
Ladies League Tag ladder: Aberglasslyn 16, University of Newcastle 14, Dora Creek 8, Fingal Bay 8, Awabakal 7, Raymond Terrace 7, Tea Gardens 4.