An explosive 20 minute period mid-way through the second half saw the green and golds ease away from the Bulls after going to the half time break at 10 points all and trailing by 6 points early in the second stanza.

Coach Troy Hilder named a strong line-up for the season opener, which featured quite a few troops returning from spells elsewhere around the Country Rugby League arena. The Hawks ‘spine’, fullback Corey Eason, halfback Byram Stewart and hooker Luke Barry have all returned for the 2015 season, along with back rowers Daniel Benson and Hawks outstanding stalwart, Matt Finlayson.

The first half was a very even affair. Tries to Jake Collins, who dived over from dummy half and Chris Simon who ran 75 metres down the right hand channel to touch down out wide, cancelled out the Bulls’ two early tries.

The Bulls took the lead early in the second half, when the Hawks lost their captain, Josh McCartney to the sin bin, but the team from the coast soon found an extra gear or two to put the game beyond doubt. Benson found his way over for the first of his double, then soon after, Chris Simon dummied his way through the defence before linking up with Benson for Beau Lowry to score out wide and soon after, Benson again strolled in under the posts for a 26-16 lead. Jake Collins and Beau Lowry both scored their second for the day, while impressive second row forward, Ben Murray, finished the Hawks scoring for the match with a well deserved four pointer.

Hilder was pleased with the “great team effort and great start to the season.” 

Three points and the players player award went to Daniel Benson, two points to prop Matt Kirkland and one point to Luke Barry.

This Sunday (April 19) the Hawks will play their first home game of the season when they host the Wauchope Blues at the Harry Elliott Oval in Tuncurry in what promises to be a very high standard encounter. The ladies will kick off proceedings at 11.30am while the first grade sides run out at 3pm.

THE Hawks Ladies League Tag side certainly missed the skill and experience of their captain-coaches, Kylie Hilder who was away on Australian representative touch football duties and Ash Alcorn, away on Australian representative hockey duties, going down 28-0 to a well drilled Taree City Bulls team.

The Hawks Under 18s outfit left their best work until it was too late, going down 28-18. 

The Hawks Reserve Grade side was impressive in their 20-16 victory. Coach Matt Manning looks to have plenty of depth and options throughout his side, and barring the bad luck and injuries that have haunted his sides in recent seasons, should have a very competitive year.