THE Forster Tuncurry Hawks and the Port Breakers have played out a thrilling 28 all draw in front of a healthy and vocal Mother’s Day crowd at Tuncurry’s Harry Elliott Oval.
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A Port conversion attempt after the siren from the south eastern sideline was waved away, leaving the score tied up after Port had crossed in the last play of the game.
The Hawks lead 10-6 at the break courtesy of tries to front rower Ben Kirkland who ran onto a sweet pass from Matt, his brother and fellow front rower and hooker Luke Barry.
Port shot out to a 24-10 lead midway through the second half with a flurry of tries to have the Hawks reeling, however as soon as they were able to control the field position, the points started flowing. The introduction of exciting young half Riley Glover, who earlier had played an instrumental role in the Under 18s win, gave the Hawks another attacking dimension and tries soon came to Jake Collins, Matt Finlayson and Byram Stewart, giving them a 28-24 lead before the Breakers late equaliser.
Coach Troy Hilder has a mixture of experience, most noticeably in the forwards, and youth and pace in the backs, which so far, have provided the Hawks supporters with ample reason to be optimistic for the 2015 season.
Another test awaits the Hawks this Saturday when they travel to Port Macquarie’s regional stadium to take on the Port Sharks.
In other grades:
THE Hawks Ladies League Tag side brushed off a slow start to the game before settling into their customary rhythm and a 34-4 win.
The Under 18s are starting to live up to their massive potential, scoring an impressive 30-14 win over the Breakers. The forwards laid the platform for the win, as they invariably do with Hooker Ben Whitbread being amongst those who impressed. The classy backs know how to take advantage of that platform and the 16 point margin was flattering to their opponents.
The Reserve Grade Hawks scored a last minute try to defeat the Breakers 26-22 on Sunday. Prop Chris Coulton scored the second of his two tries in the dying stages to give his side a well-deserved but hard fought win. Lock Glen Bryant was outstanding in the forwards, but there were plenty of willing workers out there with him.