The reserve grade outfit came off the field victors in their hard-fought 16-12 win against the defending premiers Greta Branxton Colts at Olympic Park, Muswellbrook, on Sunday.

Co-coaches Guy Holman and Shane Allan were impressed with the players’ effort in the minor semi-final.

“It was a great team performance won on the back of a strong defensive effort,” Holman said.

In a very physical, high-intensity game, there were a few handling issues by both sides in the back and forth thriller.

Each team gained the lead at various stages throughout the showdown.

Nonetheless, the toughness in defence especially by Allan, 

Graham McRae and Troy Hyde was outstanding, proving every player came off the field exhausted.

In other words, everyone gave 110 per cent.

Martin Harrington scored a hat-trick of tries, proving hard to stop out wide, with Corey Holman kicking two goals from three attempts.

Holman and Allan thanked all the supporters who turned out on the day wearing the red and blue.

The Mavericks will now focus on training hard in preparation for the preliminary final in less than a fortnight’s time.