HUNTERS STRUGGLE WITHOUT BATKOVIC

Ladder leaders Maitland beat the Sutherland Sharks in round eight of the Waratah Basketball League.

No such luck for the Hunters, who went down 87-68 to the Central Coast.

And in the women’s, Newcastle was outclassed by Manly-Warringah.

With Suzy Batkovic rested due to back problems, the Hunters found it hard to make an impact, or a basket.

The Sea Eagles outclassed the home side by 38 points.

Former Opal Belinda Snell top scored with 24.