The Forster Tuncurry Hawks plunged to a 70 points to six, 12 tries to one shellacking at the hands of the Old Bar Pirates at Harry Elliott Oval,Tuncurry on Sunday.
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After opening the scoring within the opening minutes, the Pirates were relentless in their quest for points, with their speedy backs seemingly taking turns to score.
A try to evergreen back rower, Chris Simon late in the second half at least ensured the ‘doubles’ was won.
Riley Glover and Byram Stewart tried their best to stem the tide, tackling themselves to a standstill.
A shoulder injury to Blake English, along with the news that strike centre, Beau Lowry will miss several months with a fractured leg only added to the sombre mood.
The Hawks have six days to try and lift before they head to Taree on Saturday where they will meet the Taree City Bulls.
In further bad news for local rugby league, the Macleay Valley Mustangs, last season’s beaten grand finalists were forced to abandon their game at Wingham at half time.
Down by 60 odd points, the Macleay Valley officials cited concern for player welfare and lack of numbers for the decision.
The Mustangs committee will meet during the week to discuss the immediate future of the Kempsey club.
This comes on top of the news during the pre season that the Wingham Tigers would be unable to field a side in the under 18s competition for the 2018 season.
The lower grades produced three close and exciting games.
A try in the last minute to the Old Bar side levelled the ladies league tag game at 12 all before former premiership winning Hawk, Sarah O’Connor landed the sideline conversion to take the points for the Pirates in what was a high quality but sometimes spiteful encounter.
The under 18s sides played out an entertaining six all draw after being locked up at 0-0 at the break.
Kye Burke received most of the plaudits from his team mates, collecting the players’ player award, while coach, David Elliott was most pleased with his centre combination of Nathan Monk and Winston McBride, who he had challenged during the week to outperform their respective opposites.
Elliott also gave special mention to Ramsey Maberly-Smith, who he felt was the pick of his forwards.
The Hawks Reserves also came away with a draw.
The sides traded blows throughout the game, before winger, Tyson Gray defused an attacking kick right on the full time bell to ensure his side escaped with a 16 all draw.
Ben Mills crossed for a double for his Hawks team.
Next Saturday the club takes the short trip north to Taree to meet the Taree City Bulls before returning to Tuncurry the following Sunday May 20 when they host the Port Macquarie Sharks.
