The Maitland Pickers family gathered en masse for the return to their spiritual home the Maitland Sportsground on Saturday.
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It was a day full of symbolism from the moving remembrance of young Picker Harry Hofman before the second grade clash to the Pickers’ old boys forming a guard of honour for the team who walked out with family members before thumping Cessnock 36-0.
This was a day to remember and a crowd of more than 1500 was there to experience it.
On the hill at the Horseshoe Bend end of the ground, the Pickers Old Boys were in full voice and big numbers.
Terry Pannowitz watched on with his grandson Cameron. Brian Burke and Milton Burrows embraced in a bear hug after forming the guard of honour for the first grade team.
Old Boys committee member Pat Warby had a smile from ear to ear: “Can you believe this crowd, we haven’t seen anything like this in years,” he said.
By half-time the Pickers led 24-0 and on a day when everything went to plan even the $250 kick for cash provided by first grade sponsors Burton Automotive went off with the lucky kicker’s punt sailing straight into the back of the Hilux ute.
The Pickers continued to pile on the points and a flare up between Maitland halfback Ryan Walsh and Cessnock’s Paul Carter resulted with both players being sinbinned.
Carter was given a Pickers send-off that would have made Maitland’s No.1 fan the late Gordon "Sparra" Farrow proud.
In a final final touch after a memorable performance the Pickers players as one walked across in front of the stand and applauded their fans.
Even the new spacious meeting room under the stand couldn’t hold the crowd as the Pickers’ faithful sang their team song long and proud.
The Pickers are back home and on Saturday’s form back in contention.