Inverell’s RSM Hawks commenced the 2018 Group 19 competition at Varley Oval on Sunday, with an emphatic 42 to 14 victory over last season’s grand finalists Narwan.
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The Hawks were superbly led around the field by half back Mick Watton who was returning from a season off, and the tireless Cameron Patch who turned in a superb defensive display.
Inverell got off to a great start when after just three minutes, Alex McCosker crossed for the first of his two first half tries.
James Ballinger followed by crossing for a try in the seventh minute before having a stint in the sin bin, and McCosker crossed again in the 25th minute with a vintage chip and chase to have the Hawks out to a 18 to nil lead.
Narwan hit back prior to half time with a try to Phil Quinlan, to have the Hawks in front at half time by 18 to 4.
Narwan capitalised on an Inverell error early in the second half by racing in for a try to J Edwards. The Hawks hit back almost immediately with Jack Stafford scoring to go out to a 24 to 8 lead.
Narwan were in again through a converted try to J. Moran and the score was 24 to 14. Following a 80 metre run from Jack Stafford, Ethan Campbell was able to back up and score under the posts to push the Hawks to an unbeatable lead of 30 to 14.
Late tries to Jayden Ellis and another to Jack Stafford and the Hawks had scored a convincing victory of 42 to 14.
Best and Fairest points were awarded to Cameron Patch, Mick Watton, Jack Hukins and Jack Stafford.
The Hawks Presidents Cup team went down to Narwan 24 to 18, after holding a 14 to 10 lead at half time.
Inverell got off to a flyer through Alex Apthorpe and Julian Schutz scoring early tries, followed by a barging run from Derek Boney which allowed him to score.
That was the end of the Hawks points until Alex Apthorpe crossed again midway through the second half which had the Hawks trailing by two points. A try to Narwan with 10 minutes remaining sealed their win.
Best and Fairest points went to Alex Apthorpe, Robert Dunn and Todd Prince.
An impressive start to the season was displayed by a young Hawks League Tag team.
Despite trailing 10 to nil early to the Narwan team, the Hawkettes regained their composure through a Lenikki Craigie converted try. A late first half try to Narwan had them in front at half time by 14 to 6.
Early second half tries to Codie Kennedy and Alicia Bussell had Inverell hitting the lead at 16 to 14.
A try to former Inverell player Chokita Brown had Narwan back in front 18 to 16. A second try three minutes from full time to Codie Kennedy saw the Hawkettes surge to a 20 to 18 victory.
Best and Fairest points went to Lenikki Craigie, Codie Kennedy, Alicia Bussell and Monique McCoy. The Hawks have the bye this weekend then are at home to the Tingha Tigers on Sunday, April 22.
