Maitland captain Sam Anderson struggled to put the achievement into words as he reflected on his club securing a fifth consecutive Newcastle Rugby League minor premiership after a hard-fought 10-4 victory over South Newcastle to retain the Sleapy’s Foundation Trophy in horrendous conditions at Townson Oval on Saturday.

“It’s surreal, to be honest.

“We’ve lost so many players, but every year we find a way to maintain such a high standard. It’s so pleasing to come here today on what is such a huge day, not just for Souths but for the wider community, and secure the minor premiership with two rounds still to play. I’m absolutely stoked about it.

“Wet weather is always the great leveller, and we won this one today on the back of our defence. It was a huge focus for us all week because we felt we’d been a bit below our standard in that area over the last few weeks. Our focus was on staying tight, and Matty Allwood, who is facing his own battle, was a huge inspiration for us, along with the other families who addressed us throughout the week.”

Both sides were locked in an absorbing arm wrestle throughout the opening half as the relentless rain turned Townson Oval into a quagmire. With attacking opportunities at a premium, it was an Isiah Olsen dummy-half dive in the 37th minute that proved the difference, giving the visitors a 6-0 lead at the break.

Olsen again played a crucial role just four minutes into the second half when he launched a towering bomb towards the left edge. Ethan Parry leapt above the pack, tapped the ball back brilliantly and former South Newcastle winger Harry Van Dartel gathered the loose football before diving over in the south-western corner to extend Maitland’s advantage to 10-0.

South Newcastle refused to surrender and eventually found a way back into the contest following sustained pressure deep inside Maitland territory. Lions captain Ryan Glanville produced a perfectly weighted attacking kick, with winger Jacob Afflick pouncing on the bouncing football before celebrating in front of a passionate bank of South Newcastle supporters to reduce the deficit to 10-4.

The Pickers’ resilience was thoroughly tested over the final 15 minutes as wave after wave of South Newcastle attack crashed towards their line. However, Maitland’s defence refused to buckle, repeatedly turning the Lions away before hanging on to record a historic victory and officially lock away another minor premiership.

In other matches of the round

Elsewhere on Saturday, Kurri Kurri edged past The Entrance 14-12 at EDSAAC Oval in a result that dealt a significant blow to the Tigers’ finals aspirations. The Entrance still has a game in hand against Cessnock to come this week, but the defeat leaves them needing results to fall their way over the final fortnight.

The Tigers will also nervously await the outcome of a possible charge following reports of an alleged biting incident involving a key forward during the match.

The victory keeps Kurri entrenched in third position, while The Entrance remains seventh, just one competition point outside the top five. With The Entrance, Western Suburbs, Central Newcastle and Cessnock all still holding games in hand, the finals race remains wide open heading into the final rounds.

In Saturday’s other fixture, the Northern Hawks defeated Macquarie 38-20 to keep their slim finals hopes alive. While mathematically still in contention, the Hawks now face a daunting run home against South Newcastle and Lakes United and will likely require both victories and favourable results elsewhere to qualify for the finals.

On Sunday, Lakes United produced one of their most complete performances of the season, defeating Cessnock 34-18. The Seagulls controlled the contest from the opening whistle, playing with greater energy and enthusiasm on their way to a convincing six-tries-to-three victory.

Ryan Potts continued his outstanding form, crossing for a double in front of a healthy home crowd as Lakes strengthened their push towards September football.

Cessnock, meanwhile, continues to battle a crippling injury toll and appears a long way from the side that contested last year’s grand final. At the opposite end of the spectrum, Lakes is enjoying its best season in eight years and, after a bye this weekend, will face Central Newcastle away before finishing the regular season against the Northern Hawks on Old Boys Day, with a finals berth firmly within reach.

The remaining scheduled fixture between Western Suburbs and Central Newcastle was declared a washout due to the weather. A new date is yet to be confirmed, although the match is expected to be played this coming weekend.

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