After having a couple of losses in recent weeks, the Hawks were able to hit back with a 32-16 win. 

The home side took an early lead in the first half, before Armidale clawed back to get in front. 

An improved effort in the middle of the field paid dividends for the Hawks in the second half as they found their feet to come away with a win. 

Ray Craigie picked up a double, while Brad Chapman, Stanley Binge and Sam White also scored four-pointers. Hawks vice-president Gary Lavender said he was pretty happy with the performance across the park. 

“Kilau Brown did some great things in the middle of the field, Corey Garrett had a great defensive game and Sam White had another great game,” Lavender said. 

“The bench really aimed up. We had some good replacements come on and they filled the gaps,” he added. 

There were impressive signs in the lower grades, with the juniors picking up their first win of the season, while the ladies league tag were close to their first, but had to settle for a draw. 

Matt Fox led the way for the Hawks juniors as they racked up a 42-30 win, while it was a low-scoring affair in the ladies league tag, where they drew 14-all. 

The only side not to pick up any points was reserve grade, who were beaten 60-22. 

Lavender said he was impressed with their results across the board. 

“It was a gutsy effort in the juniors,” he said. 

“Errors crept in again, which led to some tries, but they came out in the second and capitalised and put some points on the board.

“The league tag girls got a draw, so they’re another game closer to getting their first win.

“Reserves will just keep prodding along and I think they’ll sort themselves out down the track.”

Lavender said the win in first grade will be a morale booster for the Hawks, heading into their local derby with the Roosters at the Ashford Sportsground on Saturday. 

“We should be able to take some form into this week’s game,” he said. 

“They’ve copped some hidings but I won’t read into that too much. 

“They might come out and have a blinder so we won’t treat them lightly. 

“We just need to come out and play normal football. 

“We won’t underestimate them, we need to go out all guns blazing.”

Lavender said he hopes they’re starting to turn a corner for the season. 

“There were a couple of losses in there, but we’ve always been competitive. 

“Hopefully the tides have turned and we can start stringing a few wins together.”