Port Macquarie’s Regional Stadium, which was the venue for the northern division games, was closed due to the waterlogged ground.

While Harry Elliott Oval’s excellent sand based playing surface was in great condition and ready to host the southern division fixtures, the group decided to cancel all the fixtures to be fair on all clubs.

This means the Hawks’ next game will be the first round of the Wingham Services Club Group 3 competition on Sunday, April 9, when the Port Macquarie Sharks will travel to Tuncurry to play the locals in four grades.

The league tag fixture will begin at 11.30am and first grade will kick from 3.15pm.

There will then be a one week break for Easter before Harry Elliott Oval will again be the venue for the round two meeting of the Hawks and Wingham on Sunday, April 23.

Meanwhile, the Hawks have conducted their 2017 season launch at the Hawks’ major sponsors, the Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club.

Special guests, Jamie Lyon and Ian Martin, both from the Manly club, spoke about the important role that football clubs play in the community, and how sport in country areas of Australia is crucial in giving young men and women a sense of belonging.

Lyon grew up in Wee Waa in north western NSW, while Martin finished his career at Sawtell on the north coast.

Club patron Jan McWilliams was in attendance and the Men of League foundation must be thanked for their involvement on the night.

The launch attracted nearly 100 patrons, including players, both past and present, supporters, officials and representatives from valued sponsors such as Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club, Club Forster, the Bellevue Hotel, DGP Plumbing, Dolphins Child Care, and Mick Perry Concreting among others.