Classy centre, Jake Bolt with one try and Portuguese enforcer Ricardo Da Silva with two strong efforts saw the Hawks go into the sheds at half time trailing 18-16.

The second half saw both teams scoring in a see-sawing affair as the lead changed several times.

Forwards Nathan Wilson and Terry Bolt along with Da Silva and Brock Lowry were putting dents in the Bulls’ defence, and early in the second half reliable Winger Mick Buchanan somehow latched onto a cross field kick to score a spectacular try.  Wilson then barged his way over before Taree took a 30-26 lead with time rapidly running out.

The Hawks then were able to mount some pressure late in the game and club stalwart Jai Simon used his strength and experience to crash over for Jake Bolt to calmly pot the conversion and give his side a 2 point lead. 

On the stroke of full time, Buchanan capped a fine game with his second for the day and ensured the club song was sung loudly and proudly at the games conclusion.

THE under 18 Hawks put last week’s lacklustre performance behind them with a come from behind 28-18 win over their Taree City counterparts on Saturday.

The Taree side shot out to an early 12-0 lead before the Hawks had time to compose themselves and claw their way back into the contest. 

Talented five-eighth, Harry Nowland crossed off the back of a set play, before he sent a perfectly weighted kick from a scrum win for speedy winger Hayden Dunk to regather and score and send the teams to the half time break locked at 12 apiece.  

The Hawks had to defend stoutly early in the second half, managing to repel the Bulls’ attack for several sets before Nowland gained the upper hand for his side with a relieving 40/20 kick. Quick hands from the ensuing tap saw exciting fullback Hayden Bolt cross to send the Hawks to the lead for the first time and when Bolt scored again shortly after, they suddenly had a 24-12 lead.

Taree scored soon after to give them some hope, but a Dylan Lowry try in the dying stages wrapped the game up for the Forster Tuncurry side.

The Hawks were glad to see second row forward, Joseph Peters return from injury and the backs all looked sharp when the ball came their way.        

THE Hawks ladies league tag side’s unbeaten run, which stretches back to the 2012 grand final, has come to an abrupt end with a 12-8 loss at the hands of the Taree City Bulls.

The Hawks were behind the eight ball from the start, only being able to field nine players due to a few prior commitments from some key personnel.

It seemed to be business as usual when playmaker Kylie Hilder was able to field her own kick and cross untouched and soon after find fullback Brittney Paulson in support to scoot away for the Hawks second try and send the talented ladies out to an 8-0 lead, but that proved to be the end of the scoring from their point of view.

The girls have wrapped up the minor premiership however, and will welcome back several important players as the season heads towards the business end of the year.