Led by a hat-trick to second-rower Tylar Carter and a double to five-eighth Ryan Walsh the Pickers recovered from a horror start to dominate the game.,

The Bulldogs had the first try with just 30 seconds on the board when Brock Gilmour crossed beside the posts.

Kurri had kicked off but the ball bounced straight back into their arms and the shell-shocked Pickers were caught napping.

But that was the end of the Bulldogs celebrations and the Pickers dominated the game on the back of an incredible defensive effort, allowing just one line-break for the remainder of the game.

The break was snuffed out by wing Elliott Jennings who raced across the field in cover defence to lay a tackle.

Front-rower Brenton Horwood set the tone early with several strong runs and some bone-jarring defence.

All the forwards picked up the impetus and there was no relenting in the pressure with Dane Tilse, Jacob Sinclair and Lincoln Smith coming off the bench.

Carter was at his dynamic best in attack and defence and was sent through gaps by Pickers captain coach Luke Dorn for two of his tries.

Dorn was inspirational, drawing the defence and passing at the last moment to set up breaks. His kicking game was also strong with at least two tries coming from bombs the Kurri defence couldn’t deal with.

Halfback Tyler Perrin created plenty of opportunities for the outside backs and Walsh, playing off the back of the forwards had a great game. His two tries included a length of the field effort after catchin a kick and eluding four Bulldogs chasers.

The only sour note was a knee injury to Pickers centre Luke Mercer in the first half.

On a big day for the club, the Pickers women recorded their first win of the season with an 18-10 victory against the Bulldogs,

The Maitland Pickers women have recorded their first win of the season with an 18-10 victory against Kurri Kurri Bulldogs at Maitland Sportsground.

Trailing 10-6, the Pickers ran in three tries in an electrifying final 10 minutes in their Ladies League Tag round eight clash.

The mighty finish included a length of the field effort with Trudy Dixon crossing at the end of the play which started with a catch just outside the in-goal.

Maitland’s under-19s cemented themselves in the top four with a 64-0 win against the Kurri Kurri Bulldogs.

Kurr had a 20-14 win in reserve grade and defeated Maitland 34-14 in open age.

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