Maitland will need to cut out making too many basic errors to have any chance against Macquarie Scorpions on Saturday, Pickers coach Trevor Ott said.
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Ott said only a tremendous defensive effort and an under-manned South Newcastle team prevented the Pickers from being blown away in a error-riddled first half on Saturday.
“If we repeat those basic errors, particularly in our own half, against Macquarie then we will be made to pay on the score board,” he said.
“We are getting no favours with the draw. The premiers first up and then the beaten grand finalists the next week.
“The Scorpions are going to be very keen to put in a big game in front of their home crowd after an unexpected loss to Lakes in the first game.”
Ott said Maitland’s second half performance against Souths was far more impressive and he would be looking for his team to start in the same vain from the opening kick-off and put in a 80-minute performance.
“We couldn’t have asked any more of Luke (Dorn) and Dane (Tilse) in their first game. Their organisational skills were terrific in defence and attack.
“Tilsey’s willingness to move inside and support his fellow defenders was tremendous.
“Our defence kept us in the game in the first half and was good in the second.
“The most pleasing aspect for me was the input from the bench. Last year we were in games for the opening 30 minutes but dropped off when we called on the bench.
“On Saturday the bench really injected a lot of energy and gave us a lift.”