The Blacks, who are now one point outside the semi-final spots on the competition ladder, scored four tries to three in a tough battle where they twice came from behind to clinch the round eight fixture.

Blacks coach Bobby Tynan, who made a few changes in the lead up to the encounter because they weren’t catching enough “fish”, said he was pleased to get the result and claim win number two from their last six starts. 

“We went fishing and got the result,” Tynan said.

“It was a tough game so we’ll take the points, get out of there and move on.”

The hosts struck first with a converted try before hooker Dave Currey and fullback Josh McCormack replied to put the Blacks 10-7 ahead at the break.

It was the Roos who were on the front foot once more in the second half with a second try putting them up 12-10 but No.8 Jono Wotton and winger Rob Williamson scored for the Blacks with debutant Jye Estatheo converting to give Maitland a 12-point buffer.

Lake Macquarie then crossed for a seven-pointer to make the last five minutes tense but the Blacks were able to hold out their opponents.

The Blacks (20) now sit in seventh position on the competition ladder and are one behind Merewether Carlton and Nelson Bay (21).

Tynan said he was pleased with the performances of debutants Estatheo and second-rower Theo Risley.

Tynan gave the coach’s points to Wotton. 

In the lower grades the Blacks made it a clean sweep with seconds winning 63-17, thirds 28-0 and colts 54-12.

In other first grade games from the weekend The Waratahs snuck past Merewether Carlton 21-18, Hamilton beat Nelson Bay 41-32 in a high-scoring affair, Southern Beaches eased past University 62-12 while Wanderers maintained their undefeated start to the year with a 56-28 win against Easts.