Travis Brooke and Sapatia Peniata led a resolute Maitland Blacks to the brink of victory until reigning premiers Hamilton snatched a 14-all draw in the dying minutes.
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Hamilton coach Scott Coleman admitted Hamilton got out of jail after Steve Sione crossed for a late try to give the Hawks the draw with Maitland at Passmore Oval on Saturday.
“We definitely got out jail,” Coleman said. “They were good and we were bad. First half they were there mentally and we weren’t. Their back-row was enormous.”
It was the Blacks second cliff-hanger from the first two rounds, after Southern Beaches grabbed a 22-20 win with a last-minute try at Marcellin Park in round one.
Blacks co-coach Mick Hickling was full of praise for his side which was forced to defend for most of the second-half against the competition’s benchmark.
Hickling said Brooke and Peniata were the stand-outs in a terrific performance across the park by the Blacks.
“Travis got the three votes in the Anderson medal and the coach’s award and Sap got players’ player and Anderson Medal votes as well.
“Those two boys were fantastic but we were very good across the park.
“Our 12 and 13 Jye Estatheo and Junior Poloai tackled very well in the midfield and Chris Logan in his first game for us at fullback was great.
“Rhys Clacherty at 10, in only his second game of first grade, looked very comfortable against quality opposition so that was very pleasing for us as well.
“Junior came to us from The Waratahs at the start of the season and he is a quality player. He was very good with and without the ball. His defence was strong and he caused problems for them when he had the pill.
“Our line-out and set pieces were good. It was a pleasing performance.
“We found ourselves defending our own line for large portions of the second half.
“We defended well across the park, but our backs in particular were very good they prevented any chances out wide.
“Hamilton are a good side, they hung on to the ball. There were a lot of penalties in the game. He was refereeing a very technical game and the attacking team tended to get the rub of the green.
“In the first half we were able to establish pressure for long periods. It was the flip side in the second half.”
The Blacks led 9-0 at half-time and extended the gap to 14-0 when Brooke crashed over.
However, the Hawks found a way back. Liam Walker crossed for a converted try. Then, with three minutes remaining, Sione took a quick tap and crashed over.