FORSTER Tuncurry will now look to consolidate fourth spot on the Group Three Rugby League competition ladder in the last three games of the season-proper.
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The Hawks moved into outright fourth - by a point - by defeating an under-manned Taree City 28-10 in the game at Tuncurry.
Old Bar's upset win over Port Macquarie and Port City's draw with Wauchope gives the Hawks a one point advantage over the Breakers while they're two clear of the Sharks.
The Hawks meet a rejuvenated Old Bar next game at Old Bar on Sunday, July 14.
There's no football in Group Three this weekend.
Forster will then play Port Macquarie at Tuncurry on July 21 before finishing against Wauchope at Wauchope on Sunday, July 28.
Coach Phil Adamson said the Hawks were off their game in the first half against a determined Taree City side.
The Bulls held a 10-6 lead midway through the first section, however, the Hawks had drawn level at 10-10 by halftime.
"I think they were a bit flat after the previous week,'' Adamson said of his side.
"I also made a few changes to give a few blokes a bit more game time. But we got the job done in the second half.''
Matt Wakefield at five-eighth and prop Liam Simon were the pick for the Hawks.
Back rower Luke Ross also made it through 30 minutes to show he's recovered from a hamstring injury he's battled for most of the season.
"There's no football this week and the break will be good for us,'' Adamson said.
"We're in fourth spot now and we have a great chance to stay there. But Old Bar's going to be a tough game and they've won three in-a-row now, so they'll be confident.''
The Bulls were hit hard by injury going into the clash, losing hooker Oscar Carey, prop Will Clarke and five-eighth Sam Murray. They were added to an already lengthy casualty list.
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