Nick Davidson has put himself into strong Anderson Medal contention after helping the Maitland Blacks to their first win of the season.
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The Maitland breakaway scored three points in the first grade best and fairest count as the Blacks recorded a hard fought 25-21 triumph over Nelson Bay at Marcellin Park on Saturday.
It was the fourth time in five games that Davidson has impressed officials and he now has a total of eight points.
Davidson’s three points against the Gropers was preceded by another five in losing battles – two against Hamilton, two versus University and another taking on title holders Wanderers.
This keeps the 25-year-old in the top four on the overall standings after the weekend’s Newcastle and Hunter Rugby Union fixtures and quite possibly into pole position.
“He’s certainly in a good spot early and you would take points in four out of five games any day of the week,” Blacks coach Todd Bowd said.
“He has been by far our most consistent and destructive forward this season.”
Davidson was also named players’ player on Saturday and picked up the coaches award in the Blacks’ narrow four-point victory.
He scored the first of two second-half tries for Maitland as the hosts mounted a comeback.
The Blacks let a 10-7 half-time lead slip with Nelson Bay crossing for consecutive converted tries and going ahead 21-10.
Davidson then struck with five-eighth Ryan McCormack kicking the conversion in the closing stages.
This was followed by a late try to two-time Anderson Medal winner Adam Perkins off the bench and Maitland regained the lead by one.
A penalty goal to McCormack then extended the margin before the Blacks held on for a well-earned triumph.
“We were due to win one,” Bowd said.
“I was very pleased with our composure under pressure and our decision making at the end of the game.”
Blacks hooker Dan Runchel scored in the first half and, combined with a conversion and penalty goal to McCormack, helped open up a 10 point buffer.
Former Maitland player Isaac Upton nabbed a try for Nelson Bay.
Bowd said he continues to be impressed by the individual efforts of Jye Estatheo at inside centre.
Around the grounds on Saturday in fifth round fixtures and Southern Beaches edged out Lake Macquarie 39-34 and Hamilton demolished Singleton 57-7.
On Sunday at No.2 Sportsground title holders Wanderers easily accounted for Merewether Carlton 34-7.
The match between University and The Waratahs was washed out at Callaghan Campus and will be rescheduled.
Maitland are drawn to play The Waratahs away this Saturday and will welcome back prop James Curran from suspension and outside centre Josh Gray from representative duties with Army rugby union.
MAITLAND 25 (Dan Runchel, Nick Davidson, Adam Perkins tries; Ryan McCormack 2 penalties; McCormack 2 conversions) defeated NELSON BAY 21 (Mike Hotene 2, Isaac Upton tries; Jake Arthur 3 conversions)
