Smith and fullback Mathew Garland accounted for Paterson’s entire score with Garland crossing for a try and kicking four goals.

Garland’s kicking proved vital as Hinton scored four tries of their own through Andrew Hedges, Hayden Dimmock, Tyler Bradbery and Justin Field but only landed one of four conversion attempts.

Paterson River have established a three-point gap on the opposition with the victory.

They have another crucial game this week when they travel to take on seventh placed Wallsend Maryland on Saturday at Grange Oval.

The game was one of only three in C-grade to go ahead on the weekend with Sunday’s fixtures between Stockton and Abermain and Morpeth and Waratah Mayfield washed out. An injury hit Stroud had to forfeit to Woodberry Warriors. 

The Maitland Pickers may have preferred a wash-out falling 68-0 to Gloucester at Coronation Oval on Saturday.

Wallsend Maryland beat East Maitland 28-0 at King Edward Park on Saturday.

In B-grade Kotara hammered Maitland United at Hudson Park on Saturday winning 78-14.

Kearsley Crushers had a narrow 16-22 loss at home against Carrington. Dungog’s game against Belmont South was washed out.

Clarence Town's James Foot runs out for his 100th game with the Cobras on Saturday.

In a remarkable testament to his durability, Foot, who has made the switch from centre to five-eighth this season, has chalked the milestone up in just over five seasons.

“He has probably only missed two or three games in that time,” Cobras coach Peter Maytom said of Foot.

The Cobras will be looking to celebrate with victory against Cardiff at Clarence Town Park on Sunday.

Clarence Town have had an extended break after Sunday’s scheduled game against Karuah was washed out and the bye for the Queen’s Birthday long-weekend.

The wash-out does mean the popular Foot will play his 100th game in front of his home crowd.