Resilience and experience were the key factors that helped Waratahs defeat a tough Macquarie United 2-0 on Saturday night at Victoria Park, Dubbo.

The Tahs were keen to return to their winning ways after dropping two points in a 3-3 draw against second-placed Bathurst ‘75 in Round Nine. Macquarie United came into this contest hoping to snap their four-game losing streak and cause an upset against the competition’s highest goal-scoring side.

Macquarie looked threatening inside the first 10 minutes, posing some questions at the back for the visitors. But after the hosts’ small spell of domination, Waratahs started to settle into the game.

Macquarie almost found the net several times, but Waratahs shocked their opponents in the 25th minute, scoring the opener from an intelligent counter-attack. Exceptional dribbling from the Tahs’ winger allowed him to send in a low cross into the box that found the feet of star striker Guy Burgess, who tucked the ball into the net.

With Waratahs 1-0 up, Macquarie ramped up their attack and almost found the equaliser in the 29th minute when a looping cross reached their striker, who headed the ball inches over the crossbar.

With the first half coming to a close, Macquarie again nearly levelled the score, off a free-kick that just curled above the crossbar.

After the break, Waratahs picked up the intensity and started taking over the possession, their experienced midfielders holding up the play. Guy Burgess almost scored his brace in the 65th minute, but the striker’s shot rolled wide of the right post.

Macquarie began to run out of steam in the last 20 minutes and the visitors made them pay after a lapse in concentration off a set-play in the 75th minute. Veteran forward, Craig Sugden, doubled Tahs’ lead when he scored a flying header off a corner.

Waratahs closed the game by keeping calm at the back and using their tactical advantage to hold onto possession. This victory sees the Tahs leapfrog Bathurst ‘75 and move into second spot in the Western Premier League standings.