A Mitch Greaves inspired Maitland Saints outran Lake Macquarie to claim their first win in the Black Diamond Cup.
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Greaves turned in his best game for the Saints as Maitland’s skills deserted them to continually invite the Dockers back into the match.
But a win’s a win and the Saints celebrated their history making 12.13.85 to 6.16.52 victory in their first game in the BDAFL top flight at Tulkaba on Saturday.
Saints coach David Ross said it was a difficult game to watch as the Saints skills deserted them.
However, Ross said he could not fault his teams willingness to run hard in support, stick to the game plan and create opportunities.
“They ran really hard and created plenty of overlap but they just couldn’t stick a pass,” Ross said.
“We made it a lot harder for ourselves than it should have been and we really need to pick up on the skills at this level.”
Ross said Greaves had an outstanding game and typified the willingness to work hard to make space and support teammates.
“I definitely think it was Mitch’s best game for the Saints and it’s a really good sign as he is one of players who need to take the step up if we are going to compete,” he said.
Ross was also impressed with the performance of new players Mitch Saxby (two goals) and Casey Parsons who were among the Saints best along with Mick Peate.
Colin Caroll in his 100th game for the club also had a strong game.
The Saints women team showed they will continue to be a force to be reckoned with smashing Lake Macquarie 24.26.160 to 1.0.6.
It was the Sarah show up forward with Sarah Burns kicking nine goals and Sarah James finishing with seven goals as last years preliminary finalists flexed their muscles. Hanna Centra also had a strong game finishing with four goals.
The Saints unveil their 2017 Black Diamond Plate premiership flag in a special ceremony at Max McMahon Oval on Saturday before the seniors game against Gosford at 2pm.
Black Diamond Cup
Maitland 1.1, 5.7, 8.8, 12.13 (85)
Lake Macquarie 0.7, 2.10, 4.13, 6.16 (52)
GOALS: Maitland: Michael Norton 2, Mitchell Saxby 2, Casey Parsons 1, Callum Rainbow 1, Joshua Button 1, Harrison Harbrow 1, Riley Newstead 1, Mitchell Ashley 1, Hayden Taylor 1, Mick Peate 1
BEST: Maitland: Mitchell Greaves, Mitchell Saxby, Casey Parsons, Mick Peate, Michael Norton, Colin Carroll
BDAFL Women’s
Maitland 6.4, 15.8, 19.11, 24.16 (160)
Lake Macquarie 1.0, 1.0, 1.0, 1.0 (6)
GOALS: Maitland: Sarah Burns 9, Sarah James 7, Hannah Centra 4, Stevi Bishop 2, Taylor Quinton-Widl 2
BEST: Maitland: Sarah James, Hannah Centra, Jacqui Dudgeon, Sarah Burns, Anna Fraser, Amanda Smith
Black Diamond Plate
Lake Macquarie 0.3, 2.8, 3.12, 11.13 (79)
Maitland 1.1, 4.3, 4.7, 6.7 (43)
GOALS: Maitland: Colin Carroll 2, Mitchell Ashley 2, Callum Rainbow 1, Joshua Easton 1
BEST: Maitland: Mitchell Ashley, Dylan Bennett, Dion Graham, Daniel Flynn, Jordan Lloyd , Adam Bowling