Despite a barrage of second-half penalties, the Inverell Hawks managed to post their first win of the men's season against the Armidale Rams.
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The Hawks were comfortable at half-time with a 20-6 lead but a 25 to 10 penalty count against the Hawks did them no favours as fatigue kicked in late in the game.
The Rams made a comeback and closed in on the Hawks but Joven Moore managed to cross to steal the game 36-26.
Coach Brock Mathers said defence was a major focus for them this week, it was just a shame they had to do so much of it.
"Our defence this week was much improved, especially in the middle," he said.
"We spoke about it and the players reacted well.
"The effort was there in the second-half but with a penalty count of 25-10 against us we could only defend at a high level for so long.
"Huge effort from the boys to handle pressure after some rough and somewhat concerning calls from officials."
Mathers applauded the side's forwards for laying the platform.
He also highlighted the effort of winger Jeremy Morgan who scored four tries.
"In attack our big boys on the edge worked hard and created opportunities for our backs," he said.
"Our forwards defended and played well.
"Our players off the bench were outstanding and it was a great team effort.
"Our outside backs led by Harold Duncan, Warren Bucchanan and Brent Chaker played strong, mistake free footy."
They'll face Glen Innes next Sunday and the plan heading into that is simple.
"Completing our sets and knowing when to knuckle down and get the job done," Mathers said.
In the league tag, the Hawks finished with a 12-6 win over the Rams.
Team manager Melinda Cox said they were happy with "completion of sets and defence."
"We had several tries disallowed and an injury ate up our game time," she said.
"We are impressed with our junior girls who have just stepped up into the senior competition.
"They stood their ground and made their presence known."