The Maitland Pickers returned to winning form with a 34-20 win against the previously unbeaten Macquarie Scorpions on Saturday.
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The Pickers started strongly leading 18-6 at half-time and maintained their advantage in the second half.
Pickers coach Luke Dorn said it was a tremendous response from the team after a disappointing game last week in their 34-12 loss to Central.
Dorn said it was a very even performance across the board, with particular impact from the forwards.
“We probably conceded a couple of late tries through switching off a bit, but credit to Macquarie for sticking at it,” he said.
“They were missing a couple of players but Macquarie at home is still one of the toughest assignments in this competition and it was a very good win.”
Tries were scored by Isaac Upton, Lincoln Smith, Scott Williams, Hayden Grainger, Tim Watson and Dylan Clark.
It was an important win for Maitland after last week’s disappointing 34-12 loss to Central Newcastle and takes them back to the top of the ladder pending Sunday’s result in the game between Kurri Kurri and Central Newcastle.
It was a big day for the Pickers with wins in all four grades contested. Reserves won 28-26, Open grade 14-12 and under-19s 34-12.
Meanwhile, Cessnock was over-run in the second half by Lakes United who ran out 28-18 winners at Cessnock Sportsground on Saturday.
The Goannas had been firmly in the match at half-time trailing 12-14.
Full report to come.