Hawks bounce back with six-try rout in 32-8 victory over Macquarie Scorpions

NORTHERN Hawks strike weapon Fletcher Myers was a player on a mission at the Lakeside Sporting Complex in Raymond Terrace last weekend.

The former South Sydney centre produced a classy two try performance in the Hawks’ 32-8 victory over Macquarie Scorpions in the Newcastle Rugby League Denton Cup series, then saluted the skies in an emotional tribute to his late grandfather Les Nowlan.

Three days earlier the dashing back – who made eight appearances for the Rabbitohs in the NRL – was on hand to farewell one of his greatest supporters at Nowlan’s midweek funeral service at Mayfield West.

A proud Myers dedicated last Saturday’s triumph over the Scorpions to his beloved grandad, who passed away earlier this month at the age of 81.

Hawks players observed a minute’s silence in memory of Nowlan, a great stalwart of the Waratah-Mayfield Cheetahs Rugby League Club, before the recent loss to Kurri Kurri.

The sharp-running Myers was in scintillating form against Macquarie, bagging two of Northern’s six tries and creating havoc with his turn of speed to help secure the Hawks’ fifth win of the season.

Northern coach Steve Simpson was a relieved figure after the team produced a statement response to the previous week’s heavy loss to Kurri Kurri.

The win over Macquarie was a significant turnaround after the Hawks were held scoreless in a 34-0 loss to Kurri Kurri six days earlier and came despite five changes to the side through  the suspension of hooker Taks Kuru, injuries to utility back Manu Alexander, hooker Jayden Seckold and the unavailability of centre Kiah Cooper and winger Honeti Tua.

Coach Simpson was pleased by the manner of the win and his team’s dominant first half display with the Hawks establishing a 26-4 lead at the interval.

The Scorpions opened the scoring through centre Callan Briggs but the Hawks responded with a strong attacking rhythm that yielded tries for Myers (2), fullback Shaq Saunders, centre Cody Hancock, lock forward Luke Higgins and winger Beau-Josh Lyons.

Jackson Eckford crossed for the visitors’ second try, but it wasn’t enough to trouble the result.

Returning skipper Higgins, five-eighth Liam Walsh and second-rower Ethan Campbell were among the Hawks’ best players with Simpson also impressed by the display of local junior Whare Kuru, who shone in his top grade debut at hooker – singling out his performance after the match.

The victory keeps the Hawks in fourth spot on the ladder with 10 points from 10 games and they’ll be chasing an outright third ranking when they line up against Central Newcastle Butcher Boys this Sunday at St John Oval, Charlestown.

In the curtain-raisers, the Hawks reserve grade team fought back from an 18-4 deficit at half-time to slam the Scorpions 36-22 while the women’s side put on a dominant display to trounce Wests 48-4 with fullback Ava Glassie crossing for four tries.

By Chris KARAS