Maitland Blacks lose by 30 points after surrending too much ball to Hamilton

The Blacks simply surrendered too much ball to the Hawks, with co-coach Mick Hickling identifying the line-out as an area where Hamilton were able to exploit Maitland regularly.

“They’re a very good side and it seemed like they had 70 to 80 per cent of the ball,” Hickling said.

“When you give a team like that so much ball they are very hard to stop and that’s how it proved.

“Our line-out was obviously an issue for us.

“They could always kick the ball to touch with confidence, knowing they had an advantage in the line-out.

“When we were able to string a couple of phases together we looked OK. We weren’t able to do that for enough as we didn’t have the ball.

“When you make a mistake you are gone against them. Two passes, three passes and they’re in at the other end.”

Rob Williamson, playing his 100^th game for the Blacks, was best for Maitland, with James Howell and Dave Curry also putting in strong games.

“Dave Curry was outstanding around the edges. James Howell was outstanding as well with aggressive running and tremendous defence. Rob Dog (Williamon) always puts in,” Hickling said.

“It’s a shame the way it blew out to 40 points. we had a section in the second half where we looked like we were going to score some points but we gave away penalties and they blew it away at the back end.”

Hickling remains upbeat about Maitland’s chances at the season draws near to the finals.

“There’s no reason we can’t win against these teams. We’ve got to treasure the ball and win much more line-out to do it though,” he said.

Hamilton coach Scott Coleman stopped short of saying the premiers were back but he believes they are headed in the right direction.

The Hawks move within five points leaders Wanderers, who were upset 29-10 by Southern Beaches .

The win over the Blacks followed a 45-5 triumph over Southern Beaches, which brought an end to a two game losing streak.

The two losses occurred during the NSW Country program, to which the Hawks supplied five players and Coleman.

“Having the country players back has lifted the intensity in games and training,” Coleman said. “We are certainly playing at a higher tempo and with more composure. We are being patient and not trying to score off every phase.

“Seva Rockoboro and Tiueti Asi were outstanding. Our lineout was also dominant. We won six of their throws.”