NHRU
Round 16
SOUTHERN BEACHES 38
NELSON BAY 13
HAMILTON 59
SINGLETON 5
MEREWETHER 74
LAKE MACQUARIE 10
MAITLAND 41
WARATAHS 13
WANDERERS 37
UNIVERSITY 27
In Newcastle and Hunter rugby wins for Southern Beaches and Hamilton, while Merewether began life without Sam Clifton by belting Lake Macquarie.
Maitland raced into the top five and Wanderers beat the Students.
Uni made a bright start, with Sam Sparky Berry pushing the visitors out to a 10 nil lead.
Wanderers hit back thanks to a strong effort by captain Anthony Barrett.
The Two Blues grabbed the lead for the first time when Paul Mlotkowski crashed over out wide.