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RUGBY LEAGUE - ILLAWARRA COAL LEAGUE
Dapto coach Chris Leikvoll believes his side has developed a ruthless streak in time for the finals after a complete dismantling of a virtually full strength Thirroul outfit at Gibson Park on Saturday.
The Canaries ran in five tries to lead 26-4 before the Butchers crossed twice in the final five minutes to add respectability to a 26-16 scoreline that ultimately flattered them.
It was a day in which Dapto's next generation shone with Jake Harrigan picking up a double - including a length-of-the-field effort that put the result to bed midway through the second half - and Troy Pieper, Justin Faughlin and Dillon Capaan all picking up four pointers.
After drifting in and out of matches earlier in the season, Leikvoll was pleased with his side's match-winning blitz after half-time.
"I think it was touch and got there in the first half, they rallied and got a try right on half-time and they're a resilient team," Leikvoll said.
"But we started the second half well and stuck to our game plan and it paid dividends.
"We let two [tries] leak at the end there and you can't be doing that towards the end of the season but I was really pleased we got the win.
"I gave a few guys a bit of a rest at the end ... but it was good for some of the guys who did play a full 40 minutes and they'll be better for the run."
The Canaries have now picked up four wins and a draw from their past six games ahead of their final-round away clash with Helensburgh on Saturday. Leikvoll, who has the luxury of resting some troops if need be, said his side is tracking well ahead of their first finals appearance since 2007.
"The boys have worked really hard and become a bit more resilient.
"They got a bit of blood in the nostril there and really wanted to finish it off and it's only the second or third time I've seen that this year.
"Heading into the semis that's a good sign."
The loss will give Butchers coach Luke Swain plenty to think about ahead of their final-round clash with Collegians on Saturday, with his side seemingly incapable of completing a set at Dapto's end in the first half.
Pieper's try got the visitors off to a flyer before Dillon Capaan gave Butchers fullback Leigh Higgins the slip to extend the lead to 10-0.
Hayden Crosland crossed for the Butchers just before the break to cut the lead to 10-4.
Harrigan and Faughlin posted tries after the break and Joel Johnson and Higgins managed consolation tries.