The solemn sounds of the Ode being read and Reveille being played had barely subsided before quick hands saw Beau Lowry cross in the north eastern corner for a 4-0 lead. 

Related: Pettet to coach the Hawks...full story here

Blake Keegan pounced on an astute grubber from prop forward Chris Coulton in the opposite corner soon after, and the sideline conversion by Blake English shot the Hawks out to a 10-0 lead.

By the time Jake Bolt had scored the first of his two tries, the Hawks went to the sheds holding a 20-12 lead.

Group 3’s premier halfback, Byram Stewart, took control after the break as his quick hands and faultless kicking game were instrumental in steering his charges to the win.

The Forster Tuncurry forwards were excellent, captain Matt Kirkland capped of a sterling display with a try, while Ben Murray and Luke Ross were tireless in both defence and attack.

The backs revelled in the room that the forwards provided.

 Brayden Wynter, Blake Keegan and Jake Bolt all excelled with the quality ball that Stewart and English served up.

The Hawks next home game will be on Sunday, May 8 when they host the Wingham Tigers at Harry Elliott Oval. 

The rejuvenated women’s side will kick off the day’s proceedings at 11.30 with the first grade match set down for 3pm.

In other matches

The Hawks league tag side had a comfortable 26-4 win against their Macleay Valley counterparts. 

Two tries apiece to Ash Alcorn and Megan Johnston and a four pointer to Lisa Bullivant ensured the Hawks have their season right back on track.

The under 18s went down to a skilful, yet resentful, Macleay Valley side to the tune of 36 points to four.

 In what was an often spiteful game, the young Hawks stood their ground and walked off the ground with heads held high, knowing they will have better days ahead.

The Hawks reserve grade side have been unlucky so far this season with results not reflecting the efforts being put in. 

It was the case again on Sunday when they were on the receiving end of a 36-10 loss.