The Maitland Blacks took a huge step in their quest for a top-three finish beating Merewether Carlton 40-36 in a high-quality attacking shootout.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In a huge team effort, Chris Logan with four tries, Nick Davidson and John Birrell on the flanks and goal kicker Pat Batey were the stand outs.
But a case could easily have been mounted for Carl Manu, Michael Howell, Frank Uini, Dan Runchel, Willy Soe, Josh McCormack, Dale Clacherty and all of the starting XV to feature in the Maitland votes.
Batey’s two second-half conversions proved the difference in the end with both teams running in two tries after the scores were 26-all at the break.
Logan’s runs electrified the huge crowd and he had a hand in two more tries on top of the four he scored.
Blacks co-coach Mick Hickling said it was a highly entertaining game with both attacks firing in the first half to run in a combined eight tries.
Hickling said the Blacks defensive effort in the second was huge, holding out the Greens for long periods.
“We really maximised our attacking opportunities, we came away with points almost every time we went forward,” he said.
“It was a great team effort. It was incredibly hard to choose our best, but with four tries Chris Logan was incredible. Nick Davidson won the players’ player award and I thought his and John Birrell’s efforts in defence and giving us go forward were fantastic.
“Pat Batey’s kicking proved the difference in the end. His two second-half conversions were both from out wide.
“I thought Frank Uini had his best game for us he was very strong. Carl Manu just keeps on delivering and I thought Max Stafford had a good game and pulled off some really important tackles in cover defence.
“It’s still a tough road ahead, but the win puts us in a good position to grab a top-three finish.
“We are only going to improve with players getting time after injury. We got good contributions from our bench and we’re looking fairly healthy.”
The Blacks remain fifth on the ladder but have reduced the margin on their rivals, trailing competition leaders Nelson Bay by just four points after Saturday’s games.
The Blacks closed to a point of fourth-placed Wanderers and two points of Merewether who scored a bonus point in their loss to Maitland.
The Blacks have a favourable run home, with an away game against Singleton next week before facing Nelson Bay at Marcellin Park on August 4. The vital clash against the Gropers is followed by away games to University and Lake Macquarie.
Wanderers and Nelson Bay both have byes, for which they will receive no points, and all four teams above Maitland had games against top-five opponents coming up.