FULLBACK Josh McCormack scored three tries as Maitland produced one of their most dominant performances over University to win 59-0 at Marcellin Park on Saturday.
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McCormack scored twice inside the opening 12 minutes and again in the 71st to cap a Blacks blitz which kept them in the Newcastle and Hunter Rugby Union top four with fellow undefeated sides Wanderers, Hamilton and Merewether-Carlton.
Breakaway John Birrell showed power then pace to score a double for Maitland, who led 37-0 at half-time against a University side who had lost 19-15 to The Waratahs and 41-27 to Southern Beaches to start the season.
Jye Estatheo, Chris Martin, Adam McCarthy and Rob Williamson also scored tries in the bonus-point victory.
Blacks co-coach Ryan McCormack said Josh McCormack and Adam McCarthy set the tone from the beginning of the game and it was great to see their effort rewarded.
“They have worked hard right through pre-season and in the games to date and it’s nice to see it rewarded.”
McCormack described the win as clinical and one of the most complete victories at Marcellin Park he could remember for a long time.
“They were clinical, they just kept on piling on the pressure and scoring points right up to the last five minutes,” McCormack said.
“There are times when games are one-sided and you depart from the game plan towards the end.
“But we stuck to our structures and just kept on doing the small things that count.
“There is a great feeling around the club. A great trust in each other and where we are going.
“The forwards and backs are all on the same page.”
McCormack said University had been a bit of a benchmark for the Blacks after losing to them twice last year.
“I think that reinforces in everyone’s mind that we are heading in the right direction and that if we just keep on doing the basics and supporting each other we can take on the top level of teams,” he said.
“I think one of the things that was really pleasing that there were a couple of times where we lost our way, but we quickly got back to what was working and got the results.
“We’ve set a platform for ourselves to go into the season with a fair bit of confidence and trust in each other.”
Blacks president Ben Emmett said the 1877 Club launch had been a tremendous success and 170 members had already signed up.
“We’re not getting ahead of ourselves but it has been a great start on and off the field,” he said.
