The Saints dispatched Lake Macqurie by 57 points in the type of game which they previously would have struggled in.

Blustery conditions which made disposal and marking difficult, bigger-bodied opponents and some dubious umpiring calls brought the Saints undone in the past.

But even without their “A” midfield, with Jim Taranto unable to continue past the first quarter because of a rib injury and Wade Beard and Cameron Mitchell both out injured, Maitland controlled play across the field.

Saints coach Steve Mitchell said it was one of the most mature performances this season by his young charges.

“Without our usual midfield stars they all stood up and took it upon themselves to do what was required,” Mitchell said.

The brains in the Saints’ winning equation were provided by Hugh Matheson, who provided direction and maintained structures across the midfield, defence and backline.

His repeated calls to teammates to create space in the forward line and establish a wall across the forward line were rewarded with Maitland players repeatedly intercepting rushed kicks from the backline.

He was ably backed up in the centre by Aiden Broadway, who has been a great acquistion by the club from Cardiff.

The brawn was provided by Justin McFadyen who relished the move into the midfield where he broke packs and cleared the way for his teammates.

The brilliance was again provided by Luke Damico, who has taken his game to a new level this year.

He has great balance, line-breaking speed, is rarely beaten in contested situations and is deceivingly strong overhead.

The Saints forwards were licking their lips when he broke clear on the wing and delivered the ball in front of them.

One of those, Damico’s brother Aiden, is returning to his best form after struggling with injury, and led the goal scoring with three.

Rob Eddy and Mathew Hogan played their key forward roles brilliantly in the conditions, contesting marks and bringing the ball down to the ground when unable to mark.

The backline was led by Ben Crowley who took an amazing dozen marks in conditions that had everyone else struggling overhead.

Crowley, Andrew Elbourn and Dean Notman countered the Dockers’ key forwards and Chris Claridge continued his improvement, providing plenty of drive and creating options with clever handball.

In division two a last-minute goal by Aiden Damico secured a two-point victory for the Saints against the Dockers.

Struggling for numbers several Saints knew they had to back up in the seniors, but the team stuck at their task to score an important win.