While the other four games were washed out OVA were hammering Gunnedah Hawks 5-nil in Tamworth and North Companions delivered Moree FC a 5-1 beating at home.

North Companions made it a great start out west with a 1-nil in second grade as OVA also completed the double at Cross Park with a 4-2 second grade win that had gave new coach Tim Coates a “pleasing” start.

“It was a good start for us,” Tim Coates told The Leader.

“We kept pushing the ball around well and we tried to get some miles in our legs for next week’s big game (against Tamworth FC).

“I was extremely happy with how it all went. Aiden Flynn had a greta game at the back, stepped up and played really well.

“Chris Fenton, Brendan Fergie andLachlan Browne marshalled boys well. They all worked terrific as a unit.”

OVA led 3-nil at half time after goals from Tim Sweeney, Adam Watson and Fergie with Watson and Fergie also adding second half goals as they bombarded the wilting Hawks’ defence.

Losing DJ Omoboye to a red card after he received a second yellow didn’t help the Hawks cause either.

Coach Gary Samms wasn’t disappointed by the five-goal loss.

“We always knew it was going to be tough first up,” he said.

“We were coming to do what we could.”

The Hawks had a number of players play second grade first which left some weary legs to try and thwart the second half onslaught.

“We performed reasonably well,” Samms said.

“We had a few late pull outs because of illness but our fitness is still a little bit lacking but we have the players to cause some damage in this competition.”

The Hawks have ben swelled by a few new recruits for the new season.

On Saturday Zac Farr was their best along with young goalkeeper Blake Small, who made some good saves in the second half to deny the Mushie attackers.

“Blake did a great job,” Samms said.

“Overall they (OVA) deserved their win. They had the ability to finish.”

o All PL clubs should remember to complete their results sheets and return to NDL by 7pm each Saturday.