The Maitland Saints can set up a top-two finish with victory against Wyong on Saturday in the BDAFL Divison One.
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The Saints have maintained winning form despite a series of injuries to key players including gun forward Wade Beard.
A top-two spot would ensure a double chance in the finals.
“We still have improvement to make and we will need to be at our best next week against Wyong,” Saints coach David Ross said.
“A win there sets us up for a top-two finish and the second chance which has been our goal, but they are always hard to beat down there.”
Wise head and young legs got Maitland Saints home by 26 points against Terrigal Avoca as a gale blew across Max McMahon Oval on Saturday.
The Maitland Saints share top spot with Singleton after the Roosters defeated Newcastle City by 25 points in a double header at Maitland.
We still have improvement to make and we will need to be at our best next week against Wyong.
- Maitland Saints coach David Ross
Ross said he was pleased with the win, particularly with their resolve to stick to their structures and game plan after a lapse in the third term.
The Saints made the best of conditions to get off to a bright start to kick three goals four in the first term.
Pat McMahon, Travis Magyar and Josh Button were able to capitalise on a glut of possession as the Saints moved the ball smartly by hand and running.
The Saints extended their lead to 31-points at the main break, but Terrigal Avoca came out strongly in the third term to win the quarter three goals to one.
Ben Stewart was everywhere for the Saints and managed to curb the Panthers run along with the experienced Chris Pedler.
The Saints dropped their structures in the third term, but with Hayden Taylor dominating in the ruck, midfielders Stewart, Pedler and the dynamic Jim Taranto were able to get things back on track for Maitland record a 6.13-49 to 3.5-23 win.
Maitland were well served by youngsters Callan Sargent, Riley Newstead and Dylan Bennett.
McMahon used his strength and speed to finish with two goals, on a day not suited to his marking game.
In the first game of the Division 1 double header, Singleton came home strongly, after trailing by a point at half-time, to defeat Newcastle City by 25 points.
The Saints Division 2 team had a crucial 9.16-70 to 4-11-35 win against Nelson Bay to keep them in contention for the finals.
The Saints are a game out of the top five but have a favourable run home.
Maitland shared the goals around with Lee Nevin kicking three and two apiece to Danny Mitchell, Glen Lambert and Kevin Greaves.
The Saints women’s team put in another game performance against ladder leader Nelson Bay falling 5.20-50 to 1.2-8.
The Saints best were Tegan Park, Jayden Bassett, Jess Cassidy, Sophie Forge, Amanda Smith and Jana Melis. Taylor Quinton-Widl got the Saints goal.