Northern Hawks rugby league topple Bulldogs in all three grades

NORTHERN Hawks are savouring a record-breaking milestone in the Newcastle Rugby League Denton Engineering Cup competition.

For the first time in the Hawks’ four-year existence, they have posted a clean sweep of victories in all three grades.

Last Saturday night under lights at Tomaree Sports Ground will be remembered as one of the most significant days in the fledgling club’s short history.

The Hawks claimed victories over the Kurri Kurri Bulldogs in the men’s first, reserve grade and Under 19 series.

Steve Simpson’s undefeated first grade charges carved out a courageous 24-18 triumph after the Hawks had earlier registered wins in the Queens Wharf Hotel Cup reserve grade (22-18) and Sinalli Cup Under 19 fixtures.

With several former Nelson Bay Eels Old Boys cheering on from the sidelines, the three Northern teams stood up to be counted.

The Hawks’ Under-19s set the tone for the night with a composed and clinical 26–12 victory.

Northern skipper Preston Scully led from the front as the team produced a dominant first stanza to open up a 20–0 lead at the half time break.

Cooper McKenna crossed for a double with support from Dallas Atkins and Charlie Jones, who converted three of the Hawks’ five tries.

Kurri managed two tries in reply but were kept at bay with the Hawks’ defence holding firm throughout.

It was an encouraging performance from a group that continues to develop genuine depth in the club’s pathway.

The Hawks toppled the Bulldogs in a gripping Queens Wharf Hotel Cup reserve grade clash.

Strong running forward Dean Langdon, winger Steve Whitehead, and centre Montell Kuru crossed to give Northern a solid platform before fullback Iobe Taukeisalili rounded out the scoring.

Clever half back Shaq Saunders converted three of the team’s four tries.

In the main game, the Hawks delivered a performance that tested every element of the side’s character.

Kurri jumped to an early 10-0 lead with tries by hooker Brock Portsmouth and second rower Reid Alchin before the Hawks staged revival.

Led by inspirational co-captains in lock forward Luke Higgins and  centre Manu Alexander, the Northern team rallied after the interval with a spirited team performance.

Both players proved a tower of strength throughout — Higgins commanding in the middle and Alexander providing the kind of tough, physical leadership that sets the tone for those around him.

It was crafty Northern half back Noah Ryan who proved the difference.

Ryan was outstanding in his role with his organisational skills a feature of the win.

He pinned Kurri back repeatedly with his tactical kicking that enabled the Hawks to build the pressure that ultimately wore the Bulldogs down.

Tries by forwards Ethan Campbell, Ben Roose and centre Kiah Cooper plus a late four-pointer by Zac Jones sealed the victory with  winger Beau-Josh Lyons converting all four.

It was back to back Denton Cup victories for Simpson’s charges that will give the playing group a confidence boost leading in to Sunday’s big clash with perennial champions Maitland Pickers at the Maitland No 1 Sportsground.

Northern Hawks president Andrew Chapman told News Of The Area that the record-breaking clean sweep against the Bulldogs “was  proof of a program developing genuine strength from the ground up with pathways delivering results at every level.”

By Chris KARAS