It was the first win for the first grade team, the first win of the season for the B grade team and the first time that both grades have won on the same day.

The Mariners played the Port Macquarie Pirates at Blackbutt Park, Wauchope.

In first grade, the Mariners batted first and had four safe hits and a walk scoring three runs in the first innings.

In defence, the Mariners got off to the worst possible start when they made an error on the very first play of the game. The Mariners gave up two unearned runs to bring the score to 3-2.

In the second innings the Mariners scored one run when captain Tim Harris was batted in by Kye Dures following a safe hit by Matt Lenton.

Great defence by the Mariners held the Pirates to one run and led the game 4-3.

Over the next four innings the Mariners were able to score four more runs while their defence held the Pirates to only one run giving the Mariners an 8-4 victory.

It was a great team effort by the Mariners with every player contributing to the win.

Every Mariner batter made first base on at least one occasion. Max Carpenter and Ben Williams both recorded three safe hits, Brock Colley two and Matt Lenton and Pete Kirkpatrick recorded one each.

The battery of Matt Lenton and Max Carpenter was outstanding.

Matt Lenton struck out eight batters and gave up only five safe hits and two walks in six innings.

Although the team was overjoyed with their first victory in first grade after nearly two years of trying, there was a tinge of sadness that coach Marty Dures, who has put in nearly three years' effort, was unable to see the match due to personal commitments.

The B grade team smashed 14 runs and gave up seven to the Pirates.

Lili Prosser had an outstanding game. She played the difficult position of catcher for the first time, blocking the ball like a veteran.

Lili combined this with three safe hits and one run. Mali Boller had two walks and a safe hit.

Monty Moore was very safe in defence on first base, had a safe hit and scored a run in an outstanding game.

Although close to the end of the season, the Mariners have kept on competing each week while the LUSC has remained consistent with their ongoing support.

The day was considered by many as a great turning point for the club.

Team spirit has developed over a difficult season and the reward for practice and persistence was finally realised.