The Maitland Pickers found some strike power in attack, but Macquarie Scorpions exposed their defensive frailties to run out 24-point winners in a second-half onslaught on Saturday
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The Pickers trailed 20-0 midway through the first half, but managed to peg it back to 20-18 by half-time with tries to Zeb Luisi, Matt Ireland and Liam Faughlin all converted by Geordie Connelly.
They led 24-20 when Steve Waetford crossed five minutes after the break and Connelly made it four from four.
However, two minutes later the game turned on its head again and the Scorpions scored 28 unanswered points to run out 48-24 winners.
Macquarie had seven try scorers including doubles to Nathan Cantor and Andrew Sumner. Teason Fa'Avae-Eli kicked six of nine shots on goal.
Meanwhile, Cessnock had no answers for South Newcastle at Cessnock Sports Ground on Saturday.
In Goannas team of the century member Chris Pyne’s 200th games Cessnock conceded seven tries to lose 38-14.
The Goannas’ loss was compounded when back-rower Brendan Hlad did not return after half-time with a wrist injury.
Macquarie 48 def Maitland 24
Macquarie Points Scorers - N Cantor 2, A Sumner 2 , M Simon, I Briggs, C Hyde, J Schmiedel, S Allen. Goals - T Fa'avae-Eli 6.
Maitland Points Scorers - S Waetford, Z Luisi, M Ireland, L Faughlin. Goals - G Connelly 4.
South Newcastle 38 def Cessnock 14
South Newcastle Points Scorers - S Cook 2, J Flanagan 2, D Nilsson, B Simpson, J Lawrence. Goals - W Heta 5.
Cessnock Points Scorers - C Orchard, D Metcalf, Z Dunstan. Goals - B Mendyk 1.
