When the full time buzzer sounded the Tigers were up 22-18 after keeping the Hawks scoreless for the entire second half.

“We were up 18-10 at half time,” said Hakws publicity officer Mick Lewis.

“We were playing very well and could have even been up a few more tries and then we just lost it in the second half.

“We made far to many mistakes and lost momentum and they just got away on us.

“When we were playing well we showed glimpses of the team we can be, but when we stopped doing that the Tigers started to outrun us.”

Tigers Secretary Chris Curtin said the team was extremely happy with the win, especially as the Tigers were down a few key players on the day.

“The boys played very well and it was the best defensive game I have seen all year.

“At one point we were down 18-4 and we then managed to keep them scoreless for the second half.

“The Hawks were at full strength and we had a few key players out, Marcus Woodbury and Jade McIllwain pulled out the morning of the game so we were a bit nervous but we pulled through.”

Lewis said key players for the Hawks included Nathan Fenton, Mark Lewis, Nathan Tolley and Stephen Ackhurst while experience and youth both shone respectively in Tim McIntyre and juniors Chris Lewis and Dan McLennan.

When the Hawks and Tigers have played each other this year the margin is never more than a few points and Curtin said the Tigers forwards really pulled their weight for a victory.

“I couldn’t say that any of the forwards had a bad game, and Ray Ray Craigie had one of his best games ever at fullback.

“Nick McLennan also had a suburb game as did Andrew Buxton.

“Dave Walls played an excellent captains game and really led the guys well.”

The Tigers also triumphed over the Hawks in Presidents Cup coming in 28-18, while the Hawks got their momentum back in the juniors beating the Tigers 20-12 in a solidly physical game between the two top teams of the competition.

The LeagueTag Hawkettes continued their run of dominance coming in the victors over the Tigers 9-1.