West Maitland returned to A-grade for the first time in seven seasons in 2014 and welcomed Shortland for their first home game in round three.

But after a heavy loss and a commanding win to start the campaign the hosts suffered a 38-22 defeat to Shortland.

It has been a difficult start for West Maitland, who were in D-grade last year.

In B-grade, East Maitland continued their excellent start to the season with a 22-14 win over the Cessnock Cutters at King Edward Park on Saturday.

Shane Padberg came off the bench to score a pair of tries for the Griffins to help secure the eight-point victory, their third in a row, to start the season.

East Maitland share top spot with Tea Gardens, who have also won their first three games.

Centre George O’Brian and halfback Kade Hardy also grabbed a try each for East Maitland with Hardy adding three goals.

Walter Hickling scored a double for Cessnock with winger Josh Bile also crossing for a try.

In C-grade, Raymond Terrace ­continued their good start to the season with a 24-10 win over Dungog while Paterson River defeated Carrington 28-18 to pick up their first victory in 2014.

Thornton Beresfield’s clash with Waratah Mayfield was washed out and has been rescheduled for tomorrow night at Waratah Oval with kick-off at 7.30pm.

In D-grade, Hinton thrashed Woodberry 52-10, Abermain snuck home 24-22 against Gloucester and Clarence Town were beaten 16-12 by Williamtown.