On Sunday, May 28, at Tuncurry’s Harry Elliott Oval, they ran into reigning premiers and 2017 runaway competition leaders the Port City Breakers and were soundly beaten 48 points to 8 in a nine tries to two footballing clinic.

Captain-coach Matt Kirkland played the full 80 minutes in the engine room, trying to lay some sort of platform for his attack but was continually frustrated with some bemusing refereeing decisions that further eroded his teams’ already flagging confidence.

The second half was significantly better for the Hawks who trailed 30-0 at the break.

A try to outside back Beau Lowry opened the scoring in the second stanza and it seemed as if a comeback of sorts may have been possible.

However it wasn’t to be and a try to winger Glen Bryant on the 60th minute mark proved to be the final scoring play for the Hawks.

The Forster Tuncurry side travel to Port Macquarie this coming Saturday, June 3 to face the Port Sharks in four grades.

The ladies kick off at 11.30am with the first grade fixture set down for 3.15pm.

The rain deferred first round fixture against the Port Sharks at Tuncurry will be played on Sunday, July 16.

In other grades, the Hawks reserve grade side were beaten 38-10 by their Port City rivals in an entertaining clash on Sunday.

Hooker Jake Kelly, who recently moved to the twin towns from Uralla, had a productive afternoon and should surely be pressing for a run in first grade.

The Under 18s fixture was the match of the day as David Elliott’s charges produced some lively football in their 24-10 win over Port City.

Solid in defence, and skilful in attack, the young Hawks proved their premiership credentials in a high standard and entertaining game.

Seventeen year old Sam Whitbread, who has been rewarded for his efforts in the front row with plenty of first grade game time in recent weeks, opened the scoring for his side before a 90 metre intercept try from speedster Will Donnelly saw the Hawks lead 12-10 at the break.  

Second half tries to skipper Lachlan Fuller and Max Buderus helped seal their win.

Impressive hooker, Jake Curnow kicked four goals from as many attempts.

The Hawks ladies league tag side went down 12-10 to a Port City side that hasn’t tasted defeat since midway through the 2015 season.

Natalie LeRougetel and Lisa Bullivant were the Hawks try scorers in a game that finished at two tries a piece and could well prove to be a grand final preview.