The Maitland Blacks showed their class in the second half to record a 46-19 win against Southern Beaches at Marcellin Park on Saturday.
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Isaac Ulberg had a dream starting debut crossing for the Blacks first try as Maitland ran into a stiff wind which played havoc with passing and kicking.
Southern Beaches opened the scoring with a converted try and the Blacks were struggling to maintain possession with dropped ball.
Carl Manu got the second Maitland try to give the homeside a 10-7 lead and with the defence holding strong in tough conditions, the Blacks had established a 24-12 lead early in the second half with tries to Chris Logan and Travis Brooke.
The Blacks exerted their class in the second half with a second try to Logan, followed by tries to Dale Clacherty, co-coach Ryan McCormack who replaced an injured Pat Batey in the line-up, and a intercept try to Josh McCormack for a family double.
The win has established a 15 point break for the Blacks on the chasing group for semi-finals action. They are fifth on 37 points equal with Merewether Carlton who lost their second game of the season going down to Wanderers.
Wanderers went to third on 38 points with the win, just behind Hamilton Hawks (40) second and Nelson Bay (42) on top of the table.
The Blacks have the bye this coming Saturday before a tantalising clash at home against Merewether on Ladies Day.
Maitland is ideally placed to secure their goal of a top-three finish with just two games in their remaining five against top-five teams and both of those are at home with the game against Merewether followed by Nelson Bay on August 4.
The Blacks are holding their annual ball on the bye weekend at the Maitland Town Hall. Tickets are available for $120 per person.
