Both sides were able to score seemingly at will, with the Pirates’ goalkicker proving the difference, landing seven from eight from all points of the compass.

The Hawks were a couple of tries behind on the scoreboard for most of the afternoon but managed to claw their way back to 36 all late in the day before a brace of tries from the Old Bar side sealed the deal in a largely forgettable encounter.

The Hawks travel to Wingham to meet the, as yet, undefeated Tigers at the Wingham Sporting Complex next Sunday. 

This will be the third meeting of these clubs this season in a strange Group 3 draw, with the Tigers prevailing on both occasions. 

The Hawks were somewhat unlucky during their most recent contest at Harry Elliott Oval, with some keen judges remarking that the Hawks could be the one team to cause the Wingham side some anguish if they can win the battle in the forwards.

In other grades:

The day was somewhat more positive in the lower grades, despite a loss in the League Tag game where the Hawks went down against an Old Bar side fielding several former Hawks stars.

A Ryan Peterson try literally on the full time bell stole an impressive 20-18 win for the in form Hawks under 18s outfit over their Old Bar adversaries. 

Excellent goal line defence for long periods during the opening exchanges set the platform for a 16-0 halftime lead through tries to Chase Hadenham, Tyson Gray and Will Donnelly.

 The second stanza was a complete turnaround with the young buccaneers clawing their way into the lead before Peterson latched onto a Matt St Hill kick for the late winner.

 Jesse Page and Dylan Mauger continued to lead the pack in the middle of the field, while backs Donnelly and Matt St Hill, who provided pinpoint kicks for both the opening and final tries, were at the centre of most of the good things out wide.

“Let’s give this comp a shake!”  Hawks reserve grade coach, Brad Bennett said after his side secured their 12st win of the season at Old Bar on Sunday.

The Forster Tuncurry reserves have been steadily improving in recent weeks and the 26-14 victory could be just the tonic needed to send them on their way to the semifinals.

 Next week’s game versus the Tigers reserves looms as one of the most important games of the season as they try and build some momentum heading into the winter months.

Carl Habraken and Ken Bolt led the way in the middle of the field, making plenty of room for speedy backs such as Taine Paulson, Jake Elder and Pat Smith.

 Workaholic Glen Bryant was as good as ever at lock while Mark Amato held the side together in the number nine role.

Habraken secured the three points along with the players’ player award while the other points were shared by Paulson and Blake Keegan. 

Bennett was most pleased with the defensive attitude and the way the team have stuck together during some difficult periods.  

“We will be the dark horse of this competition” Bennett said.