Beau Lowry had scored in the south eastern corner shortly beforehand to lock the scores at 30 a piece before English coolly slotted home the kick. 

See a slideshow of photos from the match...here

It was a slow start for the Hawks, trailing 26-10 at halftime and without Matt Kirkland, their injured skipper, however, late first half tries to Chris Simon and man of the match Ben Murray gave their team a platform on which to build in the second stanza.

Dan Lawton had his best game of this season, scoring a quick brace shortly after the resumption of play to edge the Forster Tuncurry side closer at 26-20 down, before skilful hands from the Hawks’ backline resulted in a four pointer to English, who duly converted to balance the score at 26-26.

The Breakers looked to have won it when they scored in the late autumn gloom until Lowry’s try and the kick from English brought the passionate and vocal crowd to their feet. 

In-form halfback Byram Stewart steered his troops around admirably but it was the pack who earned the most accolades after the match with the three points and players award going to second row forward Ben Murray, while fellow forwards Chris Coulton and Chris Simon sharing the remainder of the spoils.

Interchange forward Terry Bolt was outstanding off the bench, running and defending stoically while Beau Lowry, a late starter at fullback due to a team-mates no show, was secure at the back. 

Winger and union convert Naibuka Tuitaru played his best game so far for the Hawks and looks like becoming a crowd favourite. 

The most pleasing aspects of the game for stand in coaches Ness Stewart and Kirkland was the second half defensive effort, restricting the Port side to the lone four pointer after the break and the willingness to work hard and fight for the win after Port had caught them napping early in the day.

The Hawks now embark on a series of away fixtures, beginning with a trip to Old Bar next Sunday to take on the Pirates.

They then travel to Wingham and Port Macquarie before the next home game on Sunday, June 26 when the Taree City Bulls visit Harry Elliott. 

There is no game scheduled for the weekend of June 18 and 19 due to the country under 14s and 15s carnival, which will be played in Tuncurry.

IN OTHER GAMES:

THE Hawks league tag side ran into the undefeated Port Breakers outfit and went down 20-10 in a high quality affair. 

The Breakers showed why they are this year’s team to beat, though the Hawks were able to match them for large periods of the game and will not be overly daunted when next they meet. 

Hawks scorers were Ash Alcorn who followed through her own kick to touch down and Montana Rayner, who continues to improve each week and is fast becoming one of the Hawks’ ladies most valuable assets.

The under 18s side secured a sterling 24-12 win over their Port Breakers opponents at Harry Elliott Oval on Sunday. 

The Port side were forced to play the entire second half with only 12 players as they had their standoff sent from the field seconds prior to half time for throwing a punch. 

The Hawks, battling somewhat of an injury crisis at the moment were good value for their win Brody Hill, Blake Sky, Will Donnelly Connor Brown and Tyson Gray all scoring four pointers while Jay Withers was successful with two kicks. 

The win keeps Tom Freemans young charges in touch with the competition leaders as we head into the middle rounds of the season. 

Halves Matt St Hill and Withers were able to get clean ball to their speedy outside backs while forwards Dylan Mauger and Connor Brown were solid up front.

A win is still eluding the Forster Tuncurry reserve grade side after their 24-20 defeat at the hands of the Port Breakers on Sunday. 

The effort it certainly there but the execution is just a bit off at the moment. Hooker Mark Amato, who returned after a long break through injury will help right the ship as he presses his claims for a first grade spot, and the form of Jake Elder, who plays in a different position each week will have also caught the coaches eye. 

Ken Bolt continues to make ground in the middle of the field and scored a terrific try, steamrolling the Breakers defence in an unstoppable run.